I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! 

#|lW fenswlJo # 

# i 

* UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | 



1 


ZION. 


i 

! 


-^>.. 


j " Walk about Zion, and go round about her : tell 
i the towers thereof." —Psalm 48 : 12. 


REV. 


BY 

T. A. TAYLOE. 




V-: ''■■■ 


BOSTON- 
PUBLISHED BY CHAELES TAPPAN. 
1S46. 



The Library 
OF Congress 

V\ ^SHrNGTON 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, 

By T. a. TAYLOR, 

In the Clerk*g Office of the District Court of the District of 

Massachusetts. 



L. 



<f 8- 6 



BOSTON: 
Printed by S. N. DICKINSON & CO. 

52 WASHINGTON STREET. 



PREFACE. 



The author of the ensuing pages, pre- 
sents them to the press, hoping thus to 
promote, in some small degree, the in- 
terests of the lioly city^ of which he 
treats. 

" Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, 
do it "with thy might ; for there is no 
work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor 
wisdom, in the grave, whither thou go- 
est." Eccl. 9: 10. 

June, 1846. 



CONTENTS, 



Page. 
Preface. _ - _ . . 3 

Contents. ----- 5 

Introduction. _ _ - - n 

CHAPTER I. 
Zion's Builder. ----- 1 

" The Lord hath founded Zion." — Isaiah 14 : 82. 

CHAPTER n. 

Zion's Beauty. ----- 24 
" Zion, the perfection of beauty." — Psalm 50 : 2. 



CONTEXTS. 



CHAPTER m. 

Zion's Defence. _ _ _ . 31 

" The Lord is great, in Zion.-' — Psalni 99 : 2. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Zion's Lawgiver. - - _ . 39 

'• The Lord is our Lawgiver ; the Lord is our King." 

Isaiah 33 : 22. 

I 

I CHAPTER V. 

I 

j Zion's Code. ----- 48 

"He hath filled Zion with judgment and right- 
j eousness."' — Isaiah 33 : 5. 

CHAPTER Yl. 

Zion's Enemies. _ > - - 57 

" 'VVho said, rase it, rase it, even to the foundations 

thereof."' — Psahn 137: 7. 

CHAPTER Vn. 

Zion mourning. _ - _ - Qo 

" The ways of Zion do mourn."' — Lamentations 

1:4. 





CONTENTS. 


7 




CHAPTER Vni. 




Zion Comforted. _ _ - _ 


71 


" Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people."— Isaiah 40 ; 1. 




CHAPTER IX. 




Son's 


Institutions. - - - - 


74 


" The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion. " - 
128: 5. 


-Psalm 




CHAPTER X. 




Zion's 


Entertainments. _ - - 


80 


"I\Nill 


abundantly bless her provision." - 
132 : 15. 

CHAPTER XL 


-Psahn 


Zion's 


Ordinances. - - _ . 


84 


'^ And 


keep mine ordinances, to walk therein. " — 
Leviticus 18 : 4. 




CHAPTER Xn. 




Zion's 


Watchmen. - - - - 


88 


" Thy watchmen shall lift up the Toice." - 
52: 8. 


-Isaiah 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER Xin. 

Zion's Citizens. _ _ _ _ 97 

Ye shali be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord 
Almighty.-' — 2 Cor. 6: 18. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Zion's Infants. 102 

" For of such, is the kingdom of God." — Luke 
1*: 16.^ 

CHAPTER XV. 

Zion's Increase. _ - _ - 13G 

"A little one shall become a thousand.-' — Isaiah 

60: 22. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Zion's Purity. ----- 143 
" Blessed are the pure in heart." — Matthew 5 : 8. 

CHAPTER XVIL 

Zion's Peace. ----- 147 
" Peace be within thy walls." — Psalm 122 : 7. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVm. 

Zion's Prospects. - - _ - 1S3 

" Glorious things are spoken of thee, city of 

God." — PsahnST: 3. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Zion Triumphant. - - - - 187 
" Now is come* salration." — Kevelations 12 : 10. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Zion Glorified. 



189 



" And they shall bring the glory and honor of the 
nations into it.-' — Revelations 21 : 26. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Zion occurs, Deut. 4 : 48, as the 
name of an elevation of Mount Her- 
mon. It designates, chiefly, one of 
the eminences, on which Jerusalem 
was built, and which was held by 
the Jebusites, till David took it from 
them, and made it his own resi- 
dence. There he pitched a tent, for 
the ark of the covenant, the sym- 
bol of God's presence, in Israel. 
Afterwards, Zion was reo!:arded, as 



12 INTRODUCTION. 



peculiarly sacred ; " because all 
places are holy, whereunto the ark 
of the Lord hath come." 

In times, exceedingly remote, Zion 
was the seat of Jehovah's worship. 
There reigned Melchisedec, " king 
of Salem, which is king of peace ; " 
a priest of the Most High, and a 
type of the Messiah. 

Zion, frequently, in the book of 
Psalms, also in the prophetical writ- 
ings, represents the Church, From 
the time, of the locating of the ark on 
it, the honor of God, in Palestine, 
became identified with it. Thither 
went up "the tribes of the Lord, 
unto the testimony of Israel, to give 



INTRODUCTION. 



13 



thanks unto the name of the Lord." 
The term is found, likewise, in the 
New Testament. We read of a Zion 
on earth, and of one in hoc^ven. 

The word is employed, in the fol- 
lowing chapters, as identical with 
that of Church — the one, true Is- 
rael of God ; including the ancient 
samts, and all evangehcal denomina- 
tions of the present and of future 
ages, down to the burning day ; 
" wherein, the heavens being on fire, 
shall be dissolved, and the elements 
shall melt with fervent heat." 



ZION 



CHAPTER I. 

zion's builder. 

" The Lord hath founded Zion." —Isaiah 14 : 32. 

The design of constructing a 
sacred city, amid the ruins of sin, 
and of rearing a sacramental host 
in a realm of rebels, was eter- 
nal. A world, destroyed by trans- 
gression, occupied the thoughts of 
God, before it had an existence 
in time. Zion is an effect ; Jeho- 
vah's will, the cause. There were 
no deliberations in respect to it, 
other than those of which the Infin- 
ite Beino; is conscious. '^ Who hath 



18 ZION. 

known the mind of the Lord; or 
who hath been his counsellor ? " 
For his own pleasure, he purposes 
or refrains ; establishes or destroys. 
" Of him, and through him, and to 
him, are all things." 

The founding of Zion on earth, 
commenced in a very remote period 
of time. The exact date, however, 
is not in the records. It appears to 
have been soon after the song of the 
morning stars and the shout of the 
sons of God, in view of the new 
and beauteous earth, had been suc- 
ceeded by those deep and awful 
sighs, which nature uttered in conse- 
quence of the fall of man. 

God came down, bringing the 
corner-stone of Zion ; it was elect, 
precious ; a tried stone, prepared for 



ZION. 19 

a sure foundation. No pompous 
ceremonies were performed among 
mortals ; but the angelic bands, who 
once veiled their faces, because of 
man's revolt, then sang in loftier 
strains, than the universe had ever 
heard. While wrath was pursuing 
the offender, with submissive hearts 
they say, " True and righteous are 
his judgments ; — Alleluia, for the 
Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ; " — 
but now, with overflowing rapture, 
" Glory to God in the highest, and 
on earth, peace, good will toward 
men ; — Salvation, and glory, and 
honor, and power, unto the Lord our 
God ; Amen, Alleluia." 

Though the origin of the city was 
so early, it did not advance much for 
centuries. The Builder never aban- 



20 ziON. 

doned his work ; nor did he cause 
anjpart of his plans, in respect to it, 
to appear, at first, conspicuous. The 
founders of other cities, seemed to 
have no idea, that the Lord of heav- 
en had laid the foundation of one, 
whose fame should fill the world, 
and its excellence eventually attract 
the admiration of the universe. 

A prominent effort was made in 
behalf of Zion, when, by a voice from 
the throne above, he was called from 
Ur of the Chaldees, who, subse- 
quently, was known as the father of 
the faithful, A charter was then 
given, by the high court of Heaven, 
and the government of the city es- 
tablished. 

It would consume too much space, 
were we to dwell upon the numerous 



ZION. 21 

epochs in the history of Zion. All, 
however, in possession of the records, 
can profitably examine them. 

Eternally complete, in the jpur- 
pose of the Almighty, this city was 
not designed to be actually built at 
once, but to be progressive, through 
many generations. Materials of vast 
variety, both in respect to time and 
place, were to be wrought into it. The 
art of heavenly industry was there to 
be acquired and' practised, by innu- 
merable multitudes of the human 
family. The luxury of doing good 
is to be enjoyed by millions yet un- 
born, who shall, in the ages to 
come, labor on its walls and culti- 
vate its fields. 

The work will not be finished, till 
the world's time-piece is nearly run 



22 z I o N . 

down. Zion's completion will pro- 
bably be coeval with the appearing 
of that mighty angel, whose face 
shall be, as it were, the sun, and his 
feet pillars of fire, — whose right foot 
will be set upon the sea, — his left 
upon the earth, — whose hand will be 
lifted to heaven, w^hile he swears by 
Him, living forever and ever, that 
time shall be no longer. 

The Builder himself allotted the 
years, during which Zion will be 
going up. A number, less than that 
determined, would not answer the 
purposes, for which the enterprise 
was undertaken. 

Slow the progress of the city, but 
certain. It is carried forward by 
Him^ who worketh all things after 
the counsel of his own will. Kino;- 



ziON. 23 

doms rise and fall ; empires are 
established and overturned ; while 
Zion, bj a gradual advance, is mov- 
ing forward, without a retrograde 
step. The obstacles to be surmount- 
ed were all foreseen, and the means, 
by which they are to be overcome, 
provided. The strength employed, 
is mighty — none can stay its course, 
or defeat the end proposed, in the 
erection of the city. " For the Lord 
of hosts hath purposed, and who 
shall disannul it ? And his hand is 
stretched out, and who shall turn it 
back ? " 



24 z I o N . 

CHAPTER 11. 

zion's beauty. 

" Zion, the perfection of beauty." — Psalm 50 : 2. 

The works of God reflect his 
perfections. " He hath made every- 
thing beautiful in his season." By 
sin, the earth's beauty has been de- 
faced, and disorder has usurped the 
place of order ; yet, how attractive 
is this handiwork of the Creator ! 
Behold the pearl, the crystal, the 
flower, the dew-drop, the insect, the 
bird, the summer cloud, the early 
dawn, the setting sun, the blue ex- 
panse, the sisterhood of constella- 
lations, and the peerless queen of 
night ! 



zi ON. 25 

The beauties of the world belong 
to Zion ; for their Maker is its 
Builder, and he neither repents giv- 
ing them existence, nor prohibits his 
people from enjoying them. The 
recipients of grace are not required 
to close their eyes upon the charms 
of nature ; thej, alone, are prepared 
to delight in the numberless tokens 
of divine goodness, everywhere pro- 
fusely scattered. The beauties of 
the natural world do not, however, 
constitute the attractiveness of Zion, 
nor form an essential part of it. 
'' Thou art more glorious and excel- 
lent than the mountains of prey." 
Moral beauty surpasses all other on 
earth ; and how much of this beauty 
does the world contain, which is not 
within Zion, or pertaining to it ? 



26 zioN . 

All the meek are there, and such, the 
Lord beautifies with salvation. 

Where, but in Zion, is intellect 
developed in the fairest proportions ? 
There^ are examples, which an angel 
could not fail to admire. The mind, 
cultivated morally^ in part regains 
the divine image, and thus presents 
somethinor of its orio^inal loveliness. 
Holiness possesses beauty, and Zion 
is a holy city. The numerous insti- 
tutions located within its sacred 
walls, are all beautiful. The tem- 
ples of the Lord, are on this conse- 
crated ground. " Thy way, God, 
is in the sanctuary." Strength and 
beauty are there. " How amiable 
are thy tabernacles." "One thing 
have I desired of the Lord, that 
will I seek after ; to behold the 



ziON. 27 

beauty of tlie Lord, and to inquire 
in his temple." PassiMg, in all di- 
rections, within the hallowed pre- 
cincts, are the messengers of the 
King ; and, " Beautiful upon the 
mountains, are the feet of him, that 
bringeth good tidings ; that publish- 
eth peace ; that bringeth good tid- 
ings of good ; that publisheth salva- 
tion ; that saith unto Zion, Thy God 
reigneth." Many are the songs of 
this city. ^' Praise waiteth for thee, 
O God, in Zion ; " and out of the ce- 
lestial choir, are no strains more sweet 
than Zion'^, No writers of poetry, 
since inspiration has ceased, can be 
compared with those, who composed, 
— as the amanuenses of the Lord, — 
its sacred songs ; but sanctified talent 



28 z I o N . 

has, in late7' ages, poured forth 
strains — pure, exaUed, heavenly. 

At different periods, the Almighty 
has rendered the arts, subservient to 
the embellishment of his city. The 
ark of the covenant, — with its mercy- 
seat, and hovering cherubim ; — the 
tabernacle, — made of the richest 
materials, by men divinely skilled, 
and who conformed, in all respects, 
to a pattern, provided by Jehovah ; — 
the sacred furniture, and the orna- 
ments of the priesthood — illustrate 
the statement. The magnificent 
structure, reared by Israel's third 
king, was also begun and completed 
under guidance from above. " He 
shall build me an house.'' 1 Chron. 
17 : 11. 

The beauty of Zion cannot appear 



ziON. 29 

in perfection, while the work, in all 
its sections, is progressing ; jet, each 
step, marking its advance, exhib- 
its new attractions. " The glorj 
of Lebanon shall come unto thee ; 
the fir-tree, the pine-tree and the box, 
together ; to beautify the place of 
my sanctuary, and I will make the 
place of my feet glorious." Fair as 
the moon, and clear as the sun, shall 
the Lord's city hereafter become, in 
the eyes of all nations. " So shall 
the King greatly desire thy beauty." 
The Church, when complete, will 
be styled the hride, the Lamb's 
wife ; and in all the stages of her 
progress and adornment, she is 
preparing for a complete and eternal 
union with her Lord. In heaven, 
— amid cherubim and seraphim, — 



30 z I o N . 

it will, in a period yet future and far 
off, be said — with a voice, as of 
many waters and of mighty thunder- 
ings — Let us be glad and rejoice, 
and give honor to the Lord God 
Omnipotent. " For the marriage of 
the Lamb is come, and his wife hath 
made herself ready." Then shall 
be accomplished, what prophecy has 
long since penned, " And to her was 
granted, that she should be arrayed 
in fine linen, clean and white ; for 
the fine linen is the righteousness 
of saints." 



ziON. 31 

CHAPTEK III. 

zion's defence. 

'' The Lord is great in Zion." —Psalm 99 : 2. 

The location of the holy city, is 
such as to expose it to imminent and 
constant perils. The entire world, 
in which it is placed, has revolted 
from the Lord, and subjected itself 
to a king, who is the most powerful 
opposer of the Almighty, the uni- 
verse contains. This enemy of God, 
having, as it were, plucked our 
planet from the hands of its Creator 
and rightful possessor, is filled with 
wrath, because of Zion. The might- 
iest instrumentality, within his reach, 
is brought to bear, directly and per- 



32 z I o N . 

severingly, against this holy enter- 
prise. Every step is resisted, with 
more than mortal strength, and the 
life of all the citizens, is endangered. 
In fact, the city is incessantly be- 
sieged ; and the arrows of the enemy, 
are ever flying in the face of the in- 
habitants. 

It is manifest, that strength, less 
than Omnipotency, and skill, inferior 
to that of the Infinite One, will not 
suffice. Shall Zion be defended ? 

The presumption is, that no weap- 
on formed against it, will prosper. 
The first conception of the plan — 
the purpose, and the actual un- 
dertaking — were the result of the 
independent mind of Jehovah. Will 
he not maintain his own cause ? 
Shall he not o;uard what he has 



zi ON. 33 

formed ? May we suppose, that, in 
in any case, the Almighty permits 
an order of his own to be counter- 
manded, a plan to be defeated, or a 
production to be perverted — with- 
out foreseeing greater glory to him- 
self, than would have otherwise re- 
sulted ? 

Is not the highest honor of the 
Deity, identified with Zion's success? 
May the sentiment be any where 
countenanced, that a failure, in res- 
pect to it, will add lustre to his 
eternal name ? From all, that we 
are enabled to gather, touching Zion, 
we are constrained to believe, that 
the glory of God, and the highest 
good of the universe, demand, that 
what has been thus begun, and so 



34 Z T O N. 

far advanced, should be carried for- 
ward to the point of completion. 

Zion is the dwelling-place of the 
Lord. He that rideth upon the 
heavens, alights on earth. The glo- 
rious Being, v»^ho, bj his strength, 
setteth fast the mountains — being 
girded with power — has made for 
himself a residence, far away from 
his throne of spotless brightness. 
" For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; 
he hath desired it for his habitation. 
This is my rest, forever. Here will 
I dwell." The strongest assurances 
are given to the pious among men, 
by the Lord, that they shall be safe 
in his protection. " He that dwel- 
leth in the secret place of the Most 
Hio-h, shall abide under the shadow 
of the Almighty." But, " The Lord 



ziON. 35 

lovetli the gates of Zion, more than 
all the dwellings of Jacob." Is it 
possible, then, that the Church will 
ever be unprotected ? May we not 
argue, that, if individual believers 
are objects of special divine care, 
Zion, at large, is certainly defended ? 
We love to contemplate the Holy 
City, as the Lord's abode ; -— and to 
regard it, as, preeminently, the place 
of the concentration of his affections 
in this world — the delight of his 
eye on earth. 

Here, with pleasure, w^e might re- 
count God's interpositions ; for al- 
most every page of Zion's history, is 
interspersed with miraculous mani- 
festations. Thousands of monuments 
with the inscription, " Ebenezer," 
have been erected by its citizens. 



36 ziON. 

as memorials of these displays of 
his Almighty power. It may be 
affirmed, without a figure, that, for 
the sake of Zion, the mountains 
stand firm, or are removed from 
their foundations ; — that the lumin- 
aries of heaven, proceed or linger in 
their course. The order of nature 
is preserved or changed, to suit the 
exigences of the Church. Cold and 
heat, storms and sunshine, are re- 
gulated with reference to its wel- 
fare. God is ever mindful of it. 
Beneath his all-powerful step, ene- 
mies have been trodden down ; na- 
tions have quailed at the stretch- 
ing forth of his hand. The very 
heavens have been made to tremble, 
and the earth to shake, that he 
might send consternation among its 



z I o N . 37 

foes, and preserve, at the same time, 
his own city, as quiet as the breath- 
less morn. Kings have fled, affright- 
ed ; " — " Thej were troubled, and 
hasted away.'^ " Praise thy God, 

Zion ; for he hath strengthened 
the bars of thy gates." " Cry out 
and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, 
for great is the Holy One of Israel, 
in the midst of thee." Thou hast 
been as secure as the everlasting 
mountains — as unharmed as the 
foundation of the perpetual hills. 

Assurance is also given, that safety 
will be continued. In language, va- 
ried and strong, the Lord makes 
known his kind designs. " Behold, 

1 have graven thee upon the palms 
of my hands ; thy walls are contin- 
ually before me." Sooner shall the 



38 z I o N. 

heavens depart, than the covenant of 
God, for Zion's guardianship, be dis- 
annulled. He shall tread down hos- 
tile nations, and subdue opposing 
people. " God will save Zion," and 
establish it forever. Its help is in 
the name of the Lord, who made 
heaven and earth ; and in him is 
everlasting strength. " This is our 
God, forever and ever." " Sing 
praises to God, which dwelleth in 
Zion." 

Look upon the holy city, and re- 
joice ; — not one of the stakes there- 
of, shall ever be removed ; neither 
shall any of the cords thereof, be 
broken. " But there, the glorious 
Lord will be unto us a place of broad 
rivers and streams, wherein shall 



z I o N. 89 

go no galley with oars, neither 
shall gallant ships pass thereby." 



CHAPTER TV, 

Z I O N ' S LAWGIVER. 

" The Lord is our la^vgiyer ; the Lord is our King."— 
Isaiah 33: 22. 

Cities, states, kingdoms, and em- 
pires, must be subject to laws and 
governmental restraints — or disorder, 
anarchy, and utter ruin, will ensue. 
Authority for regulating, controlling, 
and punishing, must be vested some- 
where ; for, without it, no organiza- 
tion, human or divine, can long 
stand. Unavoidable necessity, in all 



40 z I o N . 

cases, demands the presence of, at 
least, " one lawgiver, who is able to 
save and to destroy." In nations, lie 
may be a king, born for a throne, or 
a president, chosen for the highest 
office, by the people ; and in states 
and territories of less extent, be dis- 
tinguished by milder titles, and en- 
dowed with more limited preroga- 
tives. The idea of no-government, is 
perfectly foolish — the universe does 
not affi)rd a retreat from legal enact- 
ments. Law is coeval with the ex- 
istence of the Eternal, and its bran- 
ches are spread through his endless 
empire. 

Zion is a chartered city, estab- 
lished by law, and under immutable 
regulations, which emanate from its 
Builder. The Church is subject to 



z I o ]sr . 41 

the absolute will of Him, who form- 
ed it ; and, in the exercise of his au- 
thority, he is acknowledged supreme 
by various expressions. " Behold, a 
king shall reign in righteousness." 
" Thine eyes shall see the king in his 
beauty." The transactions of the 
king, are rehearsed in Zion with joy. 
" For God is my king, of old, work- 
ing salvation in the midst of the 
earth." The perpetuity of his do- 
dominion, is contemplated with rap- 
ture. '' The Lord of Hosts shall 
reign forever ; even thy God, O 
Zion, unto all generations." The ma- 
jesty of the most powerful rulers on 
earth, will be so much excelled by 
the Ruler in Zion, that, in the figur- 
ative representation of the Bible, it 
may be said of them, " Then the 



42 z I o N . 

moon shall be confounded, and the 
sun ashamed, when the Lord of 
Hosts shall reign on Mount Zion." 

Without intimating, that Jehovah 
has ceased to be king in the Church, 
it is needful to notice what may be 
designated a neio dispensation* 

For nearly twenty centuries, the 
immediate control of Zion's affairs 
has been in the hands of a Media- 
tor — God manifest in the flesh. 

The records of the Holy City fur- 
nish sufficient information, respecting 
this arrangement. It was in con- 
templation, from the commencement 
of the city, and is to continue till the 
end of every thing earthly. " For 
he must reign, till he hath put all 
enemies under his feet." " And 
when all thino^s shall be subdued un- 



z I o N . 43 

to him, then shall the Son also him- 
self be subject unto him, that put all 
things under him, that God may be 
all in all." 

With reference to a time, then fu- 
ture, — but now long past, — Jeho- 
vah thus speaks in the second Psalm, 
" Why do the heathen rage, and the 
people imagine a vain thing ? The 
kings of the earth set themselves, and 
the rulers take counsel against the 
Lord and against his anointed, saying. 
Let us break their bands asunder, and 
cast away their cords from us." It 
is added, " Yet have I set my king 
upon my holy hill of Zion ; " and Ae, 
just crowned, makes proclamation, — 
" I will declare the decree : the Lord 
hath said unto me, thou art my Son, 
this day have I begotten thee. Ask 



44 z I o N . 

of me, and I shall give thee the hea- 
then for thine inheritance, and the 
uttermost parts of the earth for thy 
possession." 

Much had been written, by the 
holy seers, touching the time and 
the manner of introducing the new 
dispensation. After it was estab- 
lished, a full account was made out 
by men, — infaUibly guided by the 
Spirit of truth, — and forms a part 
of Zion's records. A comprehensive 
summary is contained in the second 
chapter of Paul's letter to the Philip- 
pians : " Who, being in the form of 
God, thought it not robbery to be 
equal with God ; but made himself 
of no reputation, and took upon him 
the form of a servant, and was made 
in the Hkeness of men ; and being 



z I o N . 45 

found in fashion as a man, he hum- 
bled himself and became obedient un- 
to death, even the death of the cross. 
Wherefore, God also hath highly 
exalted him, and given him a name, 
which is above every name ; that, at 
the name of Jesus, every knee should 
bow, of things in heaven, and things 
in earth, and things under the earth ; 
and that every tongue should con- 
fess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to 
the glory of God the Father." 

Let none fear, lest Zion's interests 
may suffer, under the administration 
of the king, thus described ; for they 
are perfectly safe, and could not be 
more efficiently managed. Though, 
in some respects, less than infinite, in 
others, Christ is one with the Father ; 
and, in every particular, possesses 



46 z I o N . 

the prerogatives and the power of a 
successful prince. " All kings shall 
fall down before him ; all nations 
shall serve him." One of his titles, 
is Immanuel, — God with us : "and 
he hath on his vesture and on his 
thigh, a name written ; King of 
kings and Lord of lords." Rev. 
19 : 16. 

It is announced — for the instruc- 
tion of all on earth, and for the re- 
membrance of creatures in heaven 
— that Jesus Christ is divine as 
well as human — God and man — 
having a twofold nature, yet a one- 
ness of person. " When he bringeth 
in the first begotten into the world, 
he saith : And let all the angels of 
God worship him." Heb. 1 : 6. 
Jehovah addresses the Mediator as 



Z I O N . 47 

Son, and as tlie Infinite Supreme. 
'* Thou art mj Son ; " — and " unto 
the Son, he saith, Thy throne, O 
God, is forever and ever." Heb. 1. 
Let the inhabitants of the world, 
and the angels on high, hear the pro- 
clamation of Zion's Anointed : " All 
power is given unto me, in heaven 
and in earth." Math. 28 : 18. Be 
it published in every kingdom and 
dominion, " That all men should hon- 
or the Son, even as they honor the 
Father ; He, that honoreth not the 
Son, honoreth not the Father." John 
5 : 23. 



48 z I o N . 



CHAPTER y. 
zion's code. 

" He hath filled Zion \dth judgment and righteous- 
ness. — Isaiah 33 : 5. 

It has been intimated, that the 
Holj Citj, like other chartered com- 
munities, is established and regulated 
by law. The Supreme Legislator of 
the universe, incorporated it ; and all 
its enactments, are but the embody- 
ing of his will, in regard to it. Nei- 
ther man nor angel, had part in their 
origin or adoption. " Our God 
is in the heavens ; he hath done 
whatsoever he pleased." 

Let it not be thought, that any re- 
quirement or prohibition is arbitrary ; 



z I o N . 49 

and unnecessary. The Lawgiver 
cannot be actuated otherwise, than 
by a regard to the highest good of 
the Church ; motives for a contrary 
course, are inconceivable — impos- 
sible. 

Nothing being directed or forbid- 
den by God, in which the welfare of 
Zion is not sought, every enactment 
is indispensable ; and non-compliance 
must be followed by a twofold pun- 
ishment ; — one, a natural consequent; 
the other, a direct infliction for dis- 
obedience. Moral laws have res- 
pect, both to the wants of the beings 
governed, and to the rights of the 
Ruler. It may not be affirmed, that 
the happiness of accountable crea- 
tures, is the end of the law ; yet, it is 
unquestionably true, that the carry- 



50 zioN. 

ing out in life, perfectly, of every 
divine precept, will be attended with 
immeasurable delight. 

Whatever statutes have been fur- 
nished, for the government of the 
Church, are made public, and pre- 
sented, that all may read, under- 
stand, and obey. No weight is to be 
allowed to the traditions of men, 
however pleasing or plausible. The 
laiv-hook was designed, by its author, 
to be the only guide in spiritual con- 
cerns. " If they speak not according 
to this word, it is because there is no 
light in them." 

A distinction should, obviously, be 
made betw^een fundamental'laws and 
temporary provisions. The precepts 
of the Decalogue, are of the first de- 
scription ; the numerous regulations 



Z I O N . 51 

in the Levitical Digest, of the se- 
cond. 

The Sinatic tables, — " written by 
the finger of God," — are immuta- 
ble ; while the ritual of the ancient 
economy, was a shadow of good 
things to come, and has passed away ; 
the type being superseded by the 
antitype. The moral law was not 
more binding on Israel, than it is 
on all mankind. Nor was it fiist 
made known, when published amid 
lightnings and thunderings. It had 
been the rule of moral conduct, more 
than two thousand years ; but, at no 
previous period, had the wisdom of 
God, judged it expedient to write 
it out. While Sinai stands, and 
nations exist, will the Decalogue de- 
mand obedience ; — never will a sin- 



52 z I o N . 

gle precept be revoked, nor the guilt 
of violation, lessened. 

They do worse than dream, who 
teach, that the law respecting the 
Sabbath, is abrogated. The fourth 
command was no more designed 
for Israel in particular, than were all 
the others. The entire succession 
of generations, from Adam to Mo- 
ses, had been in possession of the 
Sabbath, whether they regarded or 
rejected its claims. 

Moral laws belong to the Church, 
in common with the rest of the hu- 
man family. Besides these, there 
are precepts, peculiarly appropriate 
to her, which are distinctive, and not 
to be observed by any, while aliens 
from God. 

AYhen Zion's charter came down 



ziox. 53 

from heaven, and the great Builder 
organized the government, he estab- 
lished certain rules for man, and en- 
tered into engagements, himself ; a 
compact was then formed, — includ- 
ing temporal and spiritual benefits, 
— which neither has been, nor ever 
will be, broken by the Almighty, 
who constituted one of the parties. 
Earthly good is dispensed to the 
pious ; but their peculiar possession 
consists in spiritual conferments. " I 
will establish my covenant between 
me and thee, and thy seed after thee 
in their generations, for an everlast- 
ing covenant, to be a God unto thee, 
and to thy seed after thee." Gen. 
17: 7. 

A covenant, written or oral, needs 
a seal, and in the case before us, 



54 zioN. 

God appointed one. " Every man- 
child among you shall be circum- 
cised." " And it shall be a token of 
the covenant betwixt me and you." 
The age for affixing the seal, was 
assigned. The instruction was defi- 
nite : " He that is eight days old, 
shall be circumcised among you ; 
every man-child in your genera- 
tions." The token was not limited 
to those, just specified : " He that is 
born in the house, or bought with 
money of any stranger, w^hich is not 
of thy seed," was to receive it. " He 
that is born in thy house, and he 
that is bought with thy money, must 
needs be circumcised ; and my cove- 
nant shall be in your flesh, for an 
everlasting covenant." Gen. 17. 
A principle was then developed, 



zioN. 55 

distinctly ; not as something new, for 
it had been acted out, in all God's 
dealings with man, — namely, that in 
covenanting with a parent, the child- 
ren and all the inmates of the fam- 
ily, for whose support and instruc- 
tion, he is responsible, are included, 
and one seal is to be applied to all. 
Circumcision was selected by the 
Lord, as the original seal. 

Here was a law established, at 
the very beginning of the city ope- 
rations, — and where is its repeal re- 
corded ? A princij)le was laid down, 
as fundamental ; when was it dis- 
carded ? The right of the Divine 
Lawgiver, to abrogate, in one age, 
an act, passed in another, is not de- 
nied ; the inquiry relates to a matter 
of fact. Has it been done ? A 



66 



Z I O N 



new dispensation, centuries since, 
effected various changes, in what 
may be designated, the outward cir- 
cumstances of Zion ; but, it altered 
no fundamental principle. Burdens 
were removed, and external obser- 
vances, rendered more convenient ; 
but, in vain do we look for proof, 
that Jesus Christ destroyed God's 
City, or annulled the very principles, 
on which it was founded. 



ziON. 57 

CHAPTER VI. 

zion's enemies. 

" Who said, rase it, rase it, even to the foundations 
thereof? " — Psalm 137 : 7. 

An alliance of heaven-ejected an- 
gels, and of human beings, — who 
cast off fear and restrain prayer, — 
exists, to oppose, injure, and utterly 
destroy the Church. In it, is includ- 
ed a large proportion of our race ; 
princes and people, rulers and the 
ruled, the mighty and the ignoble, 
— unite to resist this benevolent en- 
terprise of the Lord. The great 
majority of the millions of every 
age, who have lived and died, were 
Zion's enemies, while on earth, and 
departed, as such. 



I 



58 ziON . 

These foes are characterized by 
the deepest hatred and the most set- 
tled malice. No man, however ty- 
rannical, nor any set of principles, 
however malignant, has been op- 
posed, as is the Lord Jesus Christ, 
the king of Zion. Herod and Pi- 
late forget their mutual and long- 
cherished hostility, in order, that they 
may combine, to treat him with in- 
dignity ; and thus it is, everywhere. 
Ten thousand contending parties can 
agree^ to crucify the Son of God ; 
can harmonize in efforts to annihi- 
late the Church ; and were their 
means, equal to their malignity, its 
ruin would be complete. Baptismal 
altars, tables of commemorative com- 
munion. Bibles, and other religious 
books, the Sabbath, the sanctuary; 



ziON. 59 

all — all would be speedily blotted 
out of existence. 

We readj in the history of Zion, 
plaintive laments. " Our holy and 
and our beautiful house, where our 
fathers praised thee, is burned up 
with fire, and all our pleasant things 
are laid waste." 

Captivity has been the lot of 
many sons and daughters of the 
Lord. " By the rivers of Babylon, 
there we sat down ; yea, we wept, 
when we remembered Zion. We 
hanged our harps upon the willows 
in the midst thereof. How shall we 
sing the Lord's song in a strange 
land ? '' 

Of some, it is recorded, " They 
were stoned, they were sawn asun- 
der, were tempted, were slain with 



I 



60 z I o N . 

the sword ; they wandered about in 
sheep-skins and goat-skins, being des- 
titute, afflicted, tormented." 

Among the glorified in heaven, 
is a great company of martyrs. 
" These are they, which came out of 
great tribulation ; " they fell, w^hile 
prosecuting labors, in behalf of the 
holy city. The Lord defends Zion, 
as we have seen in a previous chap- 
ter ; but, it accords with his economy, 
that many, — perhaps millions, — 
shall endure hardships, and fall by 
violence, while engaged in this holy 
enterprise. Human governments 
stand unhurt, though founders and 
friends pass away by the flight of 
timC; or lay down their life in de- 
fense of the republic or the kingdom, 
which themselves established. 



ZI ON. 61 

Martyrdom, undesirable in itself, 
secures high honors. The Church 
embalms the memory of her sons, 
who thus depart, and their crowns 
of glory, are the brightest, the king 
bestows. 

The adversaries of Zion, can never 
enjoy more, than an apparent tri- 
umph, and that, but temporarily. 
" The Lord shall have them in deri- 
sion.'' In the net, spread by their 
own hand, they shall be snared, and 
fall into their own pit. " Thine ene- 
mies shall perish ; all the workers of 
iniquity shall be scattered." As wax 
dissolves before the fire, they must 
melt ; and as smoke is driven away, 
they will be dispersed and disap- 
pear ; the cords of the wicked, shall 
be cut, and contempt will be on all 



62 



ZION. 



the opposers of the Church ; for, 
there is a day of the Lord's ven- 
geance approaching, and a set time, 
for terminating the warfare against 
her. It is written : " Let them all 
be confounded and turned back, that 
hate Zion ; let them be as the grass 
upon the house-tops, which withereth 
afore it groweth up ; wherewith the 
mower filleth not his hand, nor he 
that bindeth sheaves, his bosom. Nei- 
ther do thej, which go by, say. The 
blessing of the Lord, be upon you ; 
we bless you in the name of the 
Lord." Psalm 129. 

If Jehovah be raised up in wrath, 
no power can defend, from his dread- 
ful indignation. " He shall bring 
upon them, their own iniquity, and 
shall cut them off, in their own wick- 



ziON. 63 

edness." It is declared, "Our God 
shall come, and shall not keep si- 
lence ; a fire shall devour before him, 
and it shall be very tempestuous 
round about him." 

Kingdoms and people, everywhere, 
shall yet know, that he, whose name 
alone, is Jehovah, is the Most High 
over all the earth. " Surely the 
wrath of man shall praise thee ; the 
remainder of wrath, shalt thou res- 
train." Freely, or by force, Zion's 
excellence will yet be acknowledged 
by the world. " The sons also of 
them that afflicted thee, shall come 
bending unto thee ; and all they, that 
despised thee, shall bow themselves 
down at the soles of thy feet ; and 
they shall call thee, the city of the 



64 



Z I O N , 



Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of 
Israel/' 

Here, let it be recorded, with joy, 
that provision is made for the par- 
don of the relenting adversaries of 
the Church ; if penitent, they shall 
be forgiven, and welcomed to all her 
privileges. 

" Who is this that cometh from 
Edom, with dyed garments from 
Bozrah ? This, that is glorious in 
his apparel, travelling in the great- 
ness of his strength ? I, that speak 
in righteousness, mighty to save." 
" Be wise now, therefore, O ye 
kings ; be instructed, ye judges of 
the earth. Serve the Lord with 
fear, and rejoice with trembling. 
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and 
ye perish from the way, when his 



ziON. 65 

wrath is kindled but a little. Bless- 
ed are all tliej, that put their trust in 
him." 



CHAPTER YIL 

ZION MOURNING. 

" The ways of Zion do mourn." — Lamentations 
1: 4. 

Those, who may have accompa- 
nied me, in what has been said, re- 
specting the Church, and are not her 
friends, will perha]3S be surprised, at 
the caption of this chapter, and in-- 
quire, how can grief be in Zion ? 

Short is the reply. Sin exists in 
the Church ; and where there is 
sin, there must be sorrow. God's 



66 z I o N . 

friends are a peculiar, a chosen, an 
elect people, but not spotless ; im- 
perfect, partially sanctified. The 
entire brotherliood of believers, this 
side of the heavenly Canaan, is 
composed of persons, liable to err, 
and often, actually straying. " If I 
justify myself, mine own mouth shall 
condemn me." " If we say that we 
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 
and the truth is not in us." 

God chastises his Church, till guilt 
is seen, felt, acknowledged, and 
deeply lamented by her. ^" She weep- 
eth sore in the night, and her tears 
are on her cheeks." 

Sometimes, he is necessitated to 
extend his judgments so far, as to 
prompt the inquiry, " Hath God for- 
gotten to be gracious ? Hath he, in 



ziON. 67 

anger, shut up his tender mercies ? " 
From the very centre of the Church, 
the assertion has proceeded, with em- 
phasis : " The Lord hath forsaken 
me, and my God hath forgotten me." 
It seems to her, as if the portion of 
liars, were given to her : " Sharp ar- 
rows of the mightj, with coals of ju- 
niper." 

The prophet's description of Zion, 
in his own day, when in sorrow, is 
truly pathetic. All her gates are 
desolate ; her priests sigh, her vir- 
gins are afflicted, and she is in bitter- 
ness ; — her princes are become like 
harts, that find no pasture, and they 
are gone, without strength before 
the pursuer; — her prophets, also, 
find no vision from the Lord, and 
the adversaries mock at her Sab- 



68 z I o N . 

baths. The elders are exhibited, as 
sitting on the ground, in silence ; 
they have cast up dust upon their 
heads ; they have girded themselves, 
with sackcloth. Enemies are inso- 
lent ; all, that pass by, clap their 
hands at her ; they hiss and wag 
their head, at the daughter of Jeru- 
salem, saying, " Is this the city, that 
men call the perfection of beauty, 
the joy of the whole earth ? " All 
her revilers open their mouth against 
her, — " Certainly, this is the day, 
that we looked for." 

Not less graphic, is he, in setting 
forth the cause, of Zion's distress. 
" Tiie Lord hath afflicted her, for 
the multitude of her transgressions ; 
for the sins of her prophets and the 
iniquities of her priests, that have 



z ION . 69 

shed the blood of the just, in the 
midst of her." 

Since the occurrence of the scenes, 
here depicted, the Church has great- 
ly increased, in territorial extent ; 
and, though some sections may be 
equally afflicted at any specified pe- 
riod, it is hardly possible, that the 
prophet's delineations should again, 
at the same time, characterize the 
whole. 

Many and grievous, are the errors 
of the nominal people of God. They 
are as prone to backsliding now, as 
in past ages. " My people have 
changed their glory, for that, which 
doth not profit ; they have forsaken 
me, the fountain of living waters, 
and hewed them out cisterns, broken 
cisterns, that can hold no water." 



70 z I o N . 

With the terrible announcement 
from the throne of Heaven, " Cursed 
be the man, that trusteth in man, and 
maketh flesh his arm," the child- 
ren of Zion, are often resorting to 
human wisdom and instrumentalities. 
They form alliance with the Assyri- 
ans, and go down into Egypt, for help. 
The consequence is — the Lord's 
displeasure. He covers Zion, with 
a cloud, in his anger, and pours out 
his fury, like fire. The Almighty 
grieves over the folly of these trans- 
gressors : " Oh, that my people had 
hearkened unto me*;" but, having 
refused to obey him, they must suffer, 
till they are subdued and mourn for 
their guilt. 

The Lord, as a sovereign, dis- 
penses or withholds divine favors ; 



Z I ON. 71 

still, his Church, ever dear to him, as 
the apple of his eye, is never denied 
his smiles, except as a punishment 
for sin, or as a means of salutary 
discipline. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

ZION COMFORTED. 

" Comfort ye, comfort ye my people."' — Isaiah 40 : 1. 

As Zion's grief is caused by trans- 
gression, whenever there is a ceasing 
from wrong, with true humility, holy 
desires, and a fixed determination to 
do right, the Lord removes the dark 
cloud of his displeasure, and restores 
the joys, which the light of his coun- 



72 zioN. 

tenance imparts. The captives are 
recovered, and the banished, brought 
home ; compassed with songs of 
deliverance. No sorrow is great- 
er, than that of the pious, when 
smarting under the rod of the Most 
High ; and no exultation, more en- 
rapturing, than theirs, when peace is 
restored. " Thou hast turned for me, 
my mourning into dancing ; thou hast 
put off my sackcloth, and girded me 
with gladness." Through all the 
sacred city, are mutual congratula- 
tionSy and exhortations to thanksgiv- 
ing and praise. " Sing unto the 
Lord a new song. Sing unto the 
Lord with the harp ; with the harp 
and the voice of a psalm." Zion, 
with pious resolve, exclaims, " O 
Lord, I will praise thee ; though 



ziON. 73 

thou wast angry with me, thine an- 
ger is turned away, and thou com- 
fortedst me. Behold, God is my sal- 
vation ; I will trust and not be 
afraid ; for the Lord Jehovah is my 
strength and my song." The invita- 
tion, to join in expressions of grati- 
tude, is extended. " Sing, O hea- 
vens, and be joyful, O earth, and 
break forth into singing, O moun- 
tains ; for the Lord hath comforted 
his people, and will have mercy 
upon his afflicted." The Holy One, 
himself, speaks, saying, " Awake, 
awake ; put on thy strength, O Zion ; 
put on thy beautiful garments. Sing 
and rejoice, O daughter of Zion ; for 
lo, I come and I will dwell in the 
midst of thee." With one accord, 
through all the sacred city, anthems 



74 ziON. 

are heard : " Blessed be the Lord 
for evermore. Amen and amen." 



CHAPTER IX. 

zion's institutions. 

" The Lord shaU bless thee out of Zion."' — Psalm 
128:5. 

In each section, of this earthly 
dwelling-place of Him, who inhabit- 
eth eternity, are furnished rich pro- 
visions, for every want of man, — whe- 
ther considered in his physical nature 
and relations, as an intellectual be- 
ing, or as a moral, accountable agent, 
now on probation, and hastening to 
an eternal retribution. 

Here, instruction is duly and diU- 



ziON. 75 

gently imparted. The grand neces- 
sity of an immortal being, who has 
sinned against Heaven, is to know 
how he may be forgiven. " Blessed 
is the man, unto whom the Lord im- 
puteth not iniquity." On this im- 
portant point, the schools of philoso- 
phy, ancient or modern, cast no light. 
One might as well seek divine illu- 
mination, from the pale beams of the 
moon. After all the speculations 
and searchings by earth's pilgrims, 
for guidance to some fair abode, — 
to a happy Elysium, — the results, 
so far as any have been obtained, out 
of Zion, are most unsatisfactory. 
Here^ however, man's moral condi- 
tion, relations, obligations, and pros- 
pects, are defined, in terms the most 
explicit. It is shown, distinctly, how 



76 zi o N. 

the sinner may be saved. God ap- 
pears, in Christ, reconcihng the world 
unto himself. Zion's Lord has pro- 
vided a Lamb for sacrifice, and laid 
him upon the altar. Blood has been 
poured out, the efficacy of which, is 
so great, as to satisfy, in behalf of the 
sinner, the law's just demands. With- 
out the shedding of blood, there is 
no remission ; but, the altar, having 
been once stained by drops, from the 
heart of Immanuel, salvation is pos- 
sible for the world. Whosoever will, 
may come, and he, that approaches 
shall not perish. 

Though instruction, in respect to 
the desert of the sinner and the me- 
thod of deliverance, be of the first 
interest, farther information is re- 
quisite. The powers of the mind, are 



ziON. 77 

to be developed ; but how, and for 
what purpose ? " Man's chief end is 
to glorify God, and to enjoy liim for- 
ever." Every capacity of the mind, 
should be prepared to illustrate the 
goodness of its author, and to be 
filled with inextinguishable light and 
imperishable happiness, forever. 

In the Holy City, arrangements 
have been made, by its Builder, the 
Lord, for a healthful, continuous, 
and energetic discipline of the intel- 
lectual powers. The Bible, — Zion's 
book — in which, are embodied the 
great and wonderful truths, which 
Heaven has deemed expedient to 
make known, by a special revelation 
to man, is perfectly adapted to awak- 
en, strengthen, develope, and employ 
the soul's faculties. In this volume, 



78 z I o N . 

are language, the sublimest ever 
heard by the ear of man ; — historic 
records, not only of the Church, but 
of the world, for centuries ; — poetry, 
the most perfect ; — doctrines, pure, 
as the stream of life, issuing from the 
throne of God and of the Lamb, im- 
portant, as the principles of eternal 
rectitude, and lasting, as the existence 
of Jehovah. 

The Church is the centre of all 
benevolent operations. We search 
through the world for them, to no 
purpose, till our eye is directed to 
her. 

The Sabbath, designed to be a 
perpetual blessing to the human race, 
is annihilated, so far as the power 
and practice of man, can accomplish 



z I o N . 79 

it, except, where preserved by Zion's 
influence. 

The sanctuaries, and the services 
connected with them, the bulwarks 
of our nation, the light of the world, 
all belong to Zion. 

" Who are these, that fly as a 
cloud, and as the doves, to their win- 
dows ? " Are they not the trophies 
of grace, ransomed by atoning blood, 
but brought from the wilderness of 
this world, by the benefactions and 
devout labors of the Church ? 



80 z I o N . 

CHAPTER X. 
zion's entertainments. 

'' I ■will abundantly bless her provision." — Psalm 
132 : 15. 

God is infinitely benevolent, and 
delights to confer on his friends, the 
choicest favors, the universe affords ; 
and in the bestowment, he is limited, 
only, by a regard to their highest 
happiness, embracing time and eter- 
nity. " Blessed be the Lord, who 
daily loadeth us with benefits." 

Man's physical necessities are 
richly supplied, in Zion ; for the 
righteous inherit the land, and dwell 
therein ; and they that seek the 
Lord, do not lack anything, which, on 
the whole, is for their good. 



Z I ON. 81 

The poor are satisfied. He 
feeds them with the finest of the 
wheat, and with honey out of the 
rock. " I have been young, and 
now am old ; yet have I not seen 
the righteoiis forsaken, nor his seed 
beofo-ino* bread." Psalm 37 : 25. 

Here are attractions for the eye, 
music for the ear, food for the mind, 
and pleasures for the heart. " The 
King hath brought me into his 
chambers ; " the beams thereof, are 
cedar, and the rafters, fir. " I sat down 
under his shadow with great delight, 
and his fruit was sweet to my taste." 
" They shall be abundantly satis- 
fied, with the fatness of thy house ; 
and thou shalt make them drink of 
the river of thy pleasures." Psalm 
36: 8. 



S2 Z I O N . 

Of Zion, it is said, " Thy plants 
are an orchard of pomegranates, 
with pleasant fruits ; camphire, with 
spikenard. Spikenard and saffron ; 
calamus and cinnamon, with all trees 
of frankincense, myrrh," and aloes, 
with all the chief spices ; a fountain 
of gardens, a well of living waters, 
and streams from Lebanon." S. 
Songs 4 : 13 - 15. 

" Who is this, that cometh out of 
the wilderness, like pillars of smoke, 
perfumed with myrrh and frankin- 
cense, and all powders of the mer- 
chant ? " 

" Who is she, that looketh forth 
as the morning, fair as the moon, 
clear as the sun, and terrible, as an 
army with banners ? " "I am my 
beloved's, and my beloved is mine.*' 



z I o N . 83 

For the righteous, light is sown ; 
for the upright, gladness of heart ; 
in their tabernacles, is the voice of 
praise ; joy and gladness are found 
therein ; thanksgiving and the voice 
of melody. 

All, that is elevated in thought, 
pure in sentiment, refined in feeling ; 
the pleasures of highly cultivated 
intellect ; the choicest fruits of pious 
intercourse ; the consolations of reli- 
gion ; the indescribable emotions of 
a soul, wrapped in divine contempla- 
tions, belong to Zion, and are a 
part of the entertainments, there en- 
joyed. 

Sing, O daughter of Zion, be glad 
and rejoice with all the heart ; " the 
King of Israel, even the Lord, is in 



84 ziON. 

the midst of thee ; thou shalt not see 
evil any more." 



CHAPTER XL 

zion's ordinances. 

" And keep mine ordinances to walk therein." — 
Levit. 18 : 4. 

True religion is from heaven. It 
is spiritual. Descending to the earth, 
it assumes a visible form, and affects 
man's spiritual^ through the medium 
of his physical nature. 

When a Savior was promised, im- 
mediately, sacrifices were instituted, 
as typical of him, who was to come : 
and atone for the sins of the world. | 
All nations have adopted the prac- | 



z I o X . 85 

tice, thus early and divinely ap- 
pointed. Everywhere, the convic- 
tion seems to be, that, without the 
shedding of blood, there is no remis- 
sion of sin. Those, in Christian 
lands, who reject the vicarious na- 
ture of the Savior's death, and deny 
the necessity of such an offering, as 
the Scriptures represent him to have 
made, might receive useful hints 
from the heathen. Pagans do not 
expect to secure the favor of their 
divinities, otherwise, than by sacrifi- 
cial rites. They have only the light 
of nature and the dictates of con- 
science, yet feel the force of truths, 
which, men, in Gospel countries, wil- 
fully reject. 

At the organization of the Church, 
circumcision was appointed. Two 



86 z I ON. 

rites, therefore, have belonged to 
Zion, from the commencement of its 
operations, as a city. The muhi- 
plied observances, required of the 
nation of Israel, were assigned for 
definite objects, but, were to be of 
limited duration. Those of them, 
designed to prefigure the sacrifice of 
the Lamb of God, could have no sig- 
nificancy, subsequently to that event. 
There have been but two special 
ordinances, usually denominated Sa- 
craments, in the Church, since the 
opening of the new dispensation ; 
and these are a perpetuation, with 
certain modifications, of the original 
institutions. The Lord's Supper 
commemorates the sacrifice of Aim, 
whose death was foreshadowed in 
the offering up of animals. Bap- 



zioN* 87 

tism is a continuance of circumci- 
sion. Both of these ordinances, are 
to endure, till Zion is perfected. 
They are of binding authority, be- 
cause ordained by the Lawgiver of 
the Church ; not on account of sav- 
ing efficacy, in themselves ; for, of 
that, they are destitute. Sacrifices^ 
prior to the great atonement^ were 
prospective ; the Eucharist is reflex- 
ive. Circumcision and Baptism ai-e 
of the same purport ; they are seals 
of the covenant, and have reference 
to an inward purification, necessary 
for all, and as already effected in the 
case of adults. " Neither is that cir- 
cumcision, which is outward in the 
flesh — circumcision is that of the 
heart, in the spirit and not in the let- 
ter." Romans 2 : 28, 29. By one 



«« Z I O X . 

spirit, are we all baptized into one 
body. 

"Not by works of righteousness, 
which we have done, but, according 
to his mercy, he saved us, by the 
washing of regeneration and renew- 
ing of the Holy Ghost." " Except 
a man be born of water and of the 
Spirit, he cannot enter into the king- 
dom of God." 



CHAPTER XII. 

ZIOX'S WATCHMEN. 

" Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice. " — Isaiah 

52: 8. 

He, that hath his eyes, as a flame 
of fire, guards every interest of Zion ; 
yet, in his wisdom, he appoints indi- 



ziON. 89 

viduals for the sacred and respon- 
sible office of watchmen. Per- 
haps, it might be said, they are di- 
vided into several classes ; though, 
in a special sense, the title belongs to 
those, whose occupation is public, 
religious teaching. Anciently, a 
tribe was set apart, for a priesthood ; 
there were, also, prophets. The for- 
mer attended upon the numerous 
ceremonies and offerings, pertaining 
to the Levitical institutions ; doing 
all, in exact conformity to the divine 
prescriptions ; they, also, taught the 
law. The latter were among the 
people, as inspired instructors, com- 
missioned by the court of heaven. 
" Son of man, I send thee to the 
children of Israel." Their messages 
were solemn, often exposing them to 



90 ziON . 

the contempt of gainsayers, and the 
powerful resistance of the enemies 
of Zion. A watchman occupied a 
conspicuous position. His instruc- 
tions were definite. " Hear the word 
at my mouth, and give them warning 
from me." The King's word was 
frequently unwelcome, and the bear- 
er, subjected to peril ; briars and 
thorns were with him, and he dwelt 
among scorpions. The charge, how- 
ever, was, Be not afraid of them, 
nor afraid of their words ; I have 
made thy face strong against their 
faces, and thy forehead, against their 
foreheads. 

Under the mediatorial administra- 
tion of Zion, its watchmen appear in 
the character, of ministers of the 
Gospel. A class of men are sent 



ZION. 



91 



out, under the order, " Go ye, there- 
fore, and teach all nations, baptizing 
them, in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost ; teaching them, to observe all 
things, whatsoever I have commanded 
you ; and lo, I am with you, alway, 
even unto the end of the world. 
Amen." Matt. 28 : 19, 20. 

These early preachers were, more 
appropriately, termed apostles, or 
missionaries, as being sent abroad. 
Among their successors, some are 
stationary and some go forth, search- 
ing out the dwellings of men, in far 
off countries, and on the islands of 
the sea. Whether located or itine- 
rant, they watch for the good of 
Zion — one aim controls their plans ; 



92 ziON. 

one • desire inspires their hearts ; 
the love of Christ constraineth them. 

No individual is authorized to act 
as a watchman, except, by an order 
from the King ; he, only, is qualified 
to judge of moral fitness. " Who 
shall ascend into the hill of the 
Lord ? And who shall stand in his 
holy place ? He, that hath clean 
hands and a pure heart." " But unto 
the wicked, God saith, "What hast 
thou to do, to declare my statutes or, 
that thou shouldst take my covenant 
in thy mouth ? " 

Some, evidently, go, without being 
called, and run, not being sent. " He 
that hasteth, with his feet, sinneth." 
No man should undertake to preach, 
" but he, that is called of God." 

In the annals of Zion, a somewhat 



z I ON . 93 

minute detail is furnished of the 
calling, characteristics, and public 
service, of a distinguished watchman. 
This man, like our entire race, was 
by nature, an alien, an enemy to the 
sacred city, and manifested his hos- 
tility in the most open and deter- 
mined manner ; but, being wounded 
by the King's arrow, while on a cru- 
sade against the Church, he fell to 
the earth, powerless and penitent. 
There, in heart, he became a friend of 
him, that had destroyed his strength. 
" Lord, what wilt thou have me to 
do ?" Desired instruction was im- 
parted. " He is a chosen vessel un- 
to me, to bear my name before the 
Gentiles, and kings, and the children 
of Israel." No sooner was he in- 
formed, respecting the divine will, 



94 ziON. 

than^ " straightway, he preached 
Christ," as the true Messiah. In 
view of the magnitude and variety 
of his duties, he could ask, " Who 
is sufficient for these things ? " Yet, 
at the same time, he affirmed, " I 
magnify mine office." — " For I am 
not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." 
He was faithful to the trust, commit- 
ted to him. " God forbid, that I 
should glory, save in the cross of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom, the 
world is crucified unto me, and I, 
unto the world." The toils, priva- 
tions, perils, and persecutions, endur- 
ed by him, were severe in the ex- 
treme ; but, all were borne, with 
meekness and joy. Would that all 
Zion's watchmen, might estimate 
themselves and their office, as he did 



ziON. 95 

himself and his office. " Unto me, 
who am less, than the least, of all 
saints, is this grace given, that I 
should preach among the Gentiles, 
the unsearchable riches of Christ." 

The ministers of the Gospel, can- 
not overrate the solemnity of their 
commission. " If the watchman see 
the sword come, and blow not the 
trumpet, and the people be not warn- 
ed ; if the sword come and take any 
person, from among them, he is taken 
away in his iniquity ; but his blood 
wdll I require at the watchman's 
hand." 

" Heaven and hell will forever 
resound, with recited memorials of 
our ministry. Our home is beside 
the Shekinah. We have, daily, to 
go, where Nadab and Abihu went ; 



96 Z I O N . 

and to transact business with him, who 
darted his lightnings upon them." 

The preacher of the Gospel is 
appointed to " dispense spiritual illu- 
mination to a benighted world." His 
" works bear the stamp of immorta- 
lity; and can receive no injury, from 
the blasting power and influence of 
age.'' It was said, by one, who had, 
honorably, sustained the sacred of- 
fice, and was about to receive his 
crown, '' 0, if ministers only saw the 
inconceivable glory, that is before 
them, and the preciousness of Christ, 
they would not be able to refrain 
from going about, leaping and clap- 
ping their hands, for joy, and exclaim- 
ing, I am a minister of Christ, I am a 
minister of Christ." 



ziON. 97 



CHAPTER XIIL 

zion's citizens. 

" Ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord 
Ahnighty." — 2 Cor. 6 : 18. 

The citizens of Zion, constitute 
the entire body of believers. Their 
citizenship was acquired, not by na- 
ture, but secured to them by grace. 
Being born again, not of blood, nor 
of the will of the flesh, nor of the 
will of man, but of God, they have 
ceased from their wanderings, en- 
tered into covenant with the Lord^ 
and become inhabitants of the holy 
city, as it is written, " Now, there- 
fore, ye are no more strangers and 
foreigners, but, fellow-citizens with 



]" 



98 ziON. 

the saints and of the household of 
God ; and are built upon the founda- 
tion of the apostles and prophets, 
Jesus Christ himself, being the chief 
corner-stone." 

Mankind, by nature, are " aliens 
from the commonwealth of Israel, 
and strangers from the covenants of 
promise, having no hope, and with- 
out God in the world." 

The design of the Almighty, in 
founding Zion, was to make for him- 
self, a peculiar treasure, a holy na- 
tion, above all people, that are upon 
the face of the earth ; that they 
should show forth the praises of him, 
who hath called them out of dark- 
ness, into his marvellous light. 

Zion's citizens are, graphically, de- 
scribed in the fifteenth Psalm : — 



ziON. 99 

'- Lord, who shall abide in thy taber- 
nacle ? Who shall dwell in thy holy 
hill ? He, that walketh uprightly 
and worketh righteousness, and speak- 
eth the truth in his heart. He, that I 
backbiteth not with his tongue, nor 
doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh 
up a reproach, against his neighbor ; 
in whose eyes, a vile person is con- 
temned ; but, he honoreth them, that 
fear the Lord." Their characteris- 
tics are, also, set forth in the writings 
of an apostle. " But the fruit of 
the spirit, is love, joy, peace, long- 
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
meekness, temperance.'^ They are 
said to have crucified the fiesh, with 
the affections and lusts. Their loins 
are girt about, with truth, and they 
wear a breast-plate of righteousness. 



100 z I o X . 

Their feet are shod with the prepa- 
ration, of the Gospel of peace ; in 
one hand, is the shield of faith ; 
wherewith, they are able to quench 
all the fiery darts of the wicked ; 
in the other, is the sword of the Spi- 
rit, which is the word of God ; and I 
on their head, is the helmet of sal- \ 
vation. They pray, always, with all . 
prayer and supplication, and watch, 
with ceaseless perseverance. ! 

Of each citizen, it is affirmed, " the ; 
law of God, is in his heart — none ! 
of his steps, shall slide ; in his law, i 
doth he meditate, day and night." 
To know the will of the king, is his 
aim, and to perform it, his delight. 
" Thy statutes have been my songs, 
in the house of my pilgrimage." 
As in other cities, so in Zion, are 



ziON. 101 

some, wearing the badge of citizen- 
ship, who have no love for the King ; 
but, are enemies in disguise ; a de- 
ceitful tongue is found in their 
mouth, and at any time, they are 
ready to betray the trusts, committed 
to them. Those, who are inhabitants 
in heart, as well as in name, will 
never be disfranchised, or fall, perma- 
nently, under the rebuke of the Law- 
giver ; but, will remain in possession 
of their pleasant place, their goodly 
heritage, until, summoned from the 
heavens, to enter upon the rest, which 
remains for the people of God. 



102 ziox 



CHAPTER XIY. 

ZIOX'S IXFAXTS. 

i '• For of sucli, is the kingdom of God."— Luke 18 : 16. 

i The infants of Zion, are those, 
' born of citizens, just as tlie infants 
j of any citj, are the offspring of the 
; inhabitants, holding the ridits of cit- 
j izenship. 

I They are, peculiarly, dear to the 
Head of the Church. In his cove- 
nant engagements and in the bestow- 
ment of blessings on parents, he, mer- 
: cifully, remembers their little ones. 
, They are embraced in all his kind 
I promises, and regarded in his bene- 
volent provisions. Born, within Zion's 
' limits, they ai'e, in all cases, to be 



ziON. 103 

educated, for its future citizens. A 
parent, who does not, tiius train up 
his child, but, poorly, fills his own 
sphere ; he neglects responsibilities, 
which cannot be thrown off. God 
said of Abraham, " I know him, that 
he w^ill command his children and 
his household after him, and they 
shall keep the way of the Lord." 
The instruction, which the Almighty 
gave to the Israelites, they were to 
teach, diligently, unto their little ones ; 
"that the generation to come, might 
know them — even the children, which 
should be born, — w^ho should arise 
and declare them to their children, 
that they might set their hope in 
God." 

Parents are not accountable for 
the moral nature of their offspring ; 



104 ziON. 

but, they are required, so to educate 
them, that a correct, moral character 
may be formed. No child, born of 
pious parents, should become a re- 
probate ; — beginning an existence, 
within the Zion on earth, it should 
be educated, for that, aboTC. " And 
the Lord thy God will circumcise 
thine heart, and the heart of thy 
seed, to love the Lord thy God, with 
all thine heart and with all thy soul, 
that thou mayest live." Deut. 30 : 
6. " I will pour my Spirit upon 
thy seed, and my blessing upon thine 
offspring." Isaiah 44 : 3. " The 
promise is unto you, and to your chil- 
dren." Acts 2 ; 39. 



z I o N . 105 



INFANT BAPTISM. 

God's Zion is one^ in all ages. It 
was founded, soon after the Fall of 
man, but, its government was not or- 
ganized, till the time of Abraham. 
Then a Charter was granted, the 
terms of citizenship, settled, and the 
relation of children to the Church, 
defined. The city stands ; its char- 
ter remains, entire. Various regula- 
tions (by-laws) have, from time to 
time, been enacted by the Supreme 
Legislator ; but, the fundamental pro- 
visions have undergone no change. 

The patriarch, just named, be- 
came a citizen of Zion, by faith in 
the Builder. "He believed in the 
Lord, and he counted it to him, for 
righteousness." Gen. 15 : 6. " He 



106 ziON. 

staggered not, at the promise of God, 
through unbelief ; but, was strong in 
faith, giving glory to God.'' Eom. 
4: 20. 

Abraham, being the first resident 
in organized Zion, the earliest mem- 
ber of the visible Church, is styled, 
" the father of all them, that believe." 
Eom. 4: 11. 

" Know ye, therefore, that they, 
which are of faith, the same are the 
children of Abraham." Gal. 3 : 7. 
" And if ye be Christ's, then are ye 
Abraham's seed, and heirs, according 
to the promise." Gal. 3 : 29. 

The Church of God, as already 
stated, is onCj in every period, and 
under each dispensation. The fact 
is obvious, from the nature of the 
case. No evidence to the contrary, 



Z I O N 



107 



appears in the Scriptures, but, it is 
clearly shown in them, that Zion is 
immutable. Jesus Christ formed 
no new Church. He cleansed the 
garner-floor, burned the chaff, and 
made readj for the wheat, from the 
fields of the Gentiles. By him,, 
was broken down, the partition wall, 
which long had divided the Jews 
from the rest of the world, opening 
the fountain of life, to all men. He 
dismissed the ceremonial observan- 
ces, which prefigured himself, and 
so changed the seal of the covenant, 
as to render it more convenient, bet- 
ter adapted to Zion's prospective en- 
largement, and . of universal applica- 
tion. 

The oneness of all behevers, un- 
der both dispensations, is beautifully 



108 z I o X . 

and forcibly presented by the apos- 
tle, in the figure of ati olive-tree. 
Unbelieving Jews are broken oflf, 
and believing Gentiles are grafted 
in. The body, from which the for- 
mer are separated, is that, with 
which, the latter are united ; more- 
over, it is said, that the rejected 
branches may be restored. " And 
they also, if they abide not still in 
unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is 
able, to graft them in again. For, 
if thou wert cut out of the olive- 
tree, which is wild by nature, and 
wert grafted, contrary to nature, in- 
to a good olive-tree ; how much 
more, shall these, which be the na- 
tural branches, be grafted into their 
own olive-tree ? " 

When the Jews are reclaimed. 



ziON. 109 

they will become members of the 
same Church, to which, their pious 
ancestors belonged. 

In the first economy, one seal was 
aflSxed to %he parent, the child, and 
the servant, for whose religious edu- 
cation, the master was responsible. 
" And Abraham took Ishmael, his 
son, and all, that were born in his 
house, and all, that were bought with 
his money, every male, among the 
men of Abraham's house, and cir- 
cumcised the flesh of their foreskin, 
in the self same day, as God had said 
unto him." Gen. 17 : 23. 

The Church being the same, 
now, in its principles and provi- 
sions, it follows, of course, that 
believers and their hotiseholds are 
to receive its seal, unless her Law- 



110 ziON. 

Oliver has directed otherwise. A re- 

o 

petition of the command, abeady 
given, and in practice, nearly nine- 
teen centuries, were needless. The 
law abides, if not annulled. Its 
abrogation is not recorded, is not im- 
plied, is not intimated ; but has been 
obeyed, with manifest divine appro- 
bation, by the great proportion of 
Zion's citizens, till the present time. 
More than eighteen hundred years, 
it was in existence, prior to the com- 
ing of Christ, and it has stood, more 
than eighteen hundred since. 

Are we asked for our authority, to 
place the seal of the covenant upon 
infants ? We reply, the requirement 
of the Almighty ! We baptize them, 
because laptism is the seal, under 
the new dispensation. Female in- 



Z I O N . Ill 

fants, as well as adult females, must 
be baptized, according to the en- 
largement of privileges, in these Mes- 
sianic times. We feel as much au- 
thorized, to withhold baptism from a 
believing parent, as from his child. 

If we are correct in our views, 
respecting the identity of the Church, 
in this and the Jewish age, and 
Christ did not prohibit the placing of 
the covenant seal upon children, then 
believing parents are not only per- 
mitted, but required^ to see that it is 
performed. The Lord has appointed 
the performance. 

THE LIGHT OF REASON ON THIS 
SUBJECT. 

Let us contemplate the relation, 
which the children of regenerate pa- 



112 Z I O N . 

rents, necessarily, sustain to the Lord 
and the Church. 

In the act of personal surrender, 
which the parent makes of himself to 
God, his children are included ; and, 
when publicly professing religion, 
whatever be the denomination of 
Christ's friends, to which he is about 
to unite himself, in the presence of 
men, angels, and the Omniscient God, 
he presents, virtually, his offspring to 
the great Triune. If they are re- 
served, the profession is hypocritical ; 
like Ananias, he holds back, a part. 
Jehovah allows no reserve, nor can 
he accept of that consecration, how- 
ever solemn it be, which does not 
acknowledge his claim to every pos- 
session. 
We may go back to the time, when 



ziox. 113 

he, who is now a child of God, 
was a convicted sinner, on his knees, 
crying for mercy; what were the 
conditions, upon which he sought for- 
giveness ? Did he not promise, to 
write Holiness to the Lord, on every 
object under his control ? Can a 
guilty individual, however sorrowful, 
be delivered from condemnation, 
while withholding anything from his 
infinite Sovereign ? We hesitate not 
to afiirm, that, absolution is never 
granted to him, who makes any re- 
serve, in the terms of capitulation for 
peace, with Heaven's king. Xot 
only, must every weapon be thrown 
down, each idol, also, must be relin- 
quished. 

When the Lord enters into cove- 
nant with the renewed soul of a pa- 



114 ZION. 

rent, he obligates himself to watch 
over and bless the offspring of that 
parent. It is an immutable princi- 
ciple of the divine government, that, 
in the bestowment of blessings, and 
in the infliction of judgments, chil- 
dren shall be recipients with the pa- 
rent. Is the latter welcomed to the 
provisions of grace ; the former are, 
immediately, brought into sacred near- 
ness to the Almighty. 

In making a public profession of 
religion, the parent promises to walk 
in all the commandments and ordi- 
nances of the Lord, as understood 
and embraced by the particular 
Church, with which he unites. He 
promises to conduct, in all respects, 
so as to honor his Savior. Is there 
a church of Christ, which does not 



ZION. 115 

require its members to train up their 
children in the nurture and admoni- 
tion of the Lord ? 

Is it not a fact, that, from the very 
nature of religion, and the coTcnant 
of every communion, the children of 
believers, confessing Christ, sustain 
a relation to individual churches, 
and to Zion, at large, which is not, 
and cannot, be sustained by the chil- 
dren of unbelievers ? 

Wherefore, then, should not the 
mark of the great Shepherd be plac- 
ed upon those, who, manifestly, are 
the lambs of his fiock ? We are 
led to ask, in respect to them, on the 
supposition, that baptism is not com- 
manded, what reasonable objection 
can be made, to the application of 
water, in the name of the Father, of 



116 ziox. 

the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ? 
Are infants the objects of divine fa- 
vor ? Do thev, dying in infancy, 
go to swell the great company of the 
redeemed ? Then, surely, in the 
light of reason^ their baptism is not 
an inappropriate rite. 

We restj however, our belief and 
practice, on no other foundation, than 
the word of God. Reason and tra- 
dition are with us ; but, they are not 
our guide. The doctrine may be 
perverted ; yet perversion is not con- 
futation. 

RELATION OF BAPTIZED CHILDREN 
TO THE CHURCH. 

In a special sense, they are her 
children ; having been brought to 
her altars, and received as lambs in 



ZION. 117 

the flock of the great Shepherd. 
They are designated by the same 
mark, which distinguishes the older 
members of the fold from wanderers 
in the wilderness. 

Wherever a baptized child goes, 
he wears the seal of the covenant. 
His name is on the record of a 
I church, as one, that has been sealed 
I with the signet of the great King. 
I Should he stray in riper years, and 
I become openly wicked, his disorderly 
conduct should grieve that church ; 
yet, the fact, that he has been conse- 
crated to the Lord, may encourage 
the hope of his recovery, by grace. 

Does the baptized child die, an 
infant ? The seal of the covenant is 
upon him, when, a blighted bud of 
promise, he lies attired for the tomb ; 



118 ziox. 

it will be on his snow-white brow, 
as dust is committed to its kindred 
dust ; nor, will it be forgotten by 
Him, who watches the little sleep- 
er's repose, after the lineaments of 
his form, are faded and gone. An- 
gels, conveying the spirit of such a 
child, to their home in the heavens, feel 
that they are carrying a choice flow- 
er, from the garden of the Lord. In 
that day, when the dead, small and 
great, shall stand before God, that 
little one will wear the seal of its 
relation to Zion and Zion's Lord. 

Baptized children are, in a res- 
tricted sense, members of the par- 
ticular church, with which their pa- 
rents are connected. They are not 
entitled to the memorials of Christ's 
death, till, by a public profession of 



ZION. 119 

faith, they consecrate themselves to 
the Lord ; nor, can they ever be en- 
rolled, as communicants, if the evi- 
dence of possessing a new heart, is 
not manifested. 

Each individual church has, in 
respect to its children, what may be 
termed a primary department ; in 
which, are preparing, her little ones 
for a more advanced standing. It 
is presumed, that, if correctly in- 
structed and trained, few of those, 
surviving the years of early child- 
hood, would fail to furnish satisfac- 
tory testimonials of faith. 

Baptized children sustain a rela- 
tion to particular churches, similar 
to that, which the circumcised chil- 
dren in Israel, sustained to the Jew- 
ish Church. The covenant is the 



120 ziON. I 

same, under both dispensations in 
Zion. Now, as formerly, children I 
are heirs of the promise ; then, as 
now, they must, at a suitable age, i 
exercise faith, or forfeit their inher- ! 
itance. Isaac, though a child of , 
promise, could not have come into | 
possession of the implied blessing, 
had he not had faith, in the God of ; 
his father. The religion of the first | 
economy, was as spiritual, in its na- ! 
ture, and as holy, in its requirements, 
as is that of the second. Piety was 
as pure in the patriarchs, as in the 
primitive Christians — in the pro- 
phets, as in the apostles ; in David, 
as in John. 

The relation of baptized children 
to Churches, may be ilhistrated, by 
reference to their relation to the civ- 



J 



ZION. 121 

il community, to which they belong. 
In this, there is a membership ; yet, 
they are not citizens, to the extent 
of the membership of aduhs. They 
cannot hold offices ; are not respon- 
sible for the maintenance of the laws, 
though protection is secured to them. 
It is expected, that numbers of them 
will die, in the dawn of their exist- 
ence ; some, in consequence of juve- 
nile wickedness, will early give proof 
I of unfitness for promotion ; while, all 
I who live sufficiently long, and sus- 
I tain good characters, will fill, in due 
time, the places of their fathers. 

Such being the relation of bap- 
tized children, to specific communions, 
they are, through these communions, 
connected with the Church, at large ; 
infant dwellers in Zion. 



122 ziON 



DUTY OF CHURCHES TO THEIR 
BAPTIZED CHILDREN. 

1. Special prayer should be oflPered 
in their behalf. They ought to be 
remembered, not only, by their pa- 
rents, in the closet and at the family 
altar, but also by all the members of 
the Church, at their daily devotions, 
in their meetings for social prayer, 
and in the Sanctuary on the Sab- 
bath. Pastors should make special 
mention of them, in their addresses 
at the throne of divine grace. 

If a Church be faithful to her bap- 
tized children, we may reasonably 
expect, that, the great proportion of 
them, will be early prepared to sit 
at the Lord's table. No class of pe- 
titions fall more acceptably on the 



ziON. 123 

ear of God, than those, which ascend 
for them. Jesus Christ himself, was 
once, a consecrated infant. Such 
were the prophets and the apostles ; 
and such, too, have been a large ma- 
jority of all, who have shone, as 
lights in the Christian world. The 
fact deserves notice, that, when the 
King of Zion, selected an apostle, 
for the Gentiles, he made choice 
of one, who had been a child of the 
covenant. 

2. Special care should be taken, 
that, consecrated children be made 
acquainted with the fact of their 
baptism, the reasons of it, what it 
implies, and the obligation devolved 
upon them, to acknowledge the part 
performed by parents, with grati- 



124 z I o N . 

tude, and give themselves also to the 
Lord. 

3. Let tliem be taken to the 
meetings of the Church ; especially, 
should they be present, on sacramen- 
tal occasions, to witness that solemn 
ordinance. 

4. The education of baptized chil- 
dren, ought to be, carefully, secured 
by the Church. The Redeemer's 
lambs must not be left in the dark- 
ness of ignorance. Let the charities 
of the Church, be expended, in part, 
if necessary, upon those consecrated 
children, whose parents are destitute 
of means, to educate them. "When 
any of them, are left orphans, the 
guardianship of the Church belongs 
to them ; nor, ought she to permit 



zi ON . 125 

such to be left, unprovided with com- 
fortable homes and pious instruction. 

IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUBJECT. 

No interest, connected with Zion, 
in the opinion of the writer, is more 
worthy the attention of the watch- 
men, than what pertains to its in- 
fants. Why it occupies their thoughts 
so little, and why, the covenant is so 
extensively overlooked, must be at- 
tributed, he thinks, to the much 
serving, with which they are cum- 
bered, and to a tendency, to follow 
the musings of men, rather than the 
simple word of God. That noble 
class of ancestors, who planted 
churches in New England, were 
versed in the Scriptures, and were 
believers in the covenant. The same 



126 ziON. 

was true, of their descendants, till 
quite recently. We, of this day, 
while claiming superior wisdom, have 
shown ourselves unmindful of what 
are " the first principles of the ora- 
cles of God." We have looked to 
human philosophy, more than to Bi- 
ble facts ; to speculation, instead of 
inspiration. In thus doing, we have 
played the fool, and erred exceed- 
ingly. If the hearts of us, their 
children, be not again turned to the 
practice of our fathers, in regard to 
infant baptism, God will come and 
smite the earth, with a curse. Let 
us walk in the light of Jehovah, 



ziON. 127 



COLLATERAL TOPICS FAITH IN 

THE COVENANT. 

On the mountain range, rising 
magnificently in the western part of 
the Eastern states, resides an aged 
widow, whose husband has been in 
his grave, more than a fourth of a 
centurj. She was left in poverty, 
with a large family of children. 
Both parents, in that household, had 
been believers in the promise, that 
Jehovah would be a God, to them 
and to their seed ; and, accordingly, 
had dedicated their offspring to the 
Lord in baptism. As the widowed 
mother gathered her sons and daugh- 
ters about her, though, almost over- 
whelmed with a sense of their situa- 
tion, inexpressible joy filled her soul. 



128 ziON. 

in view of covenanted mercies. 
Those fatherless children had been 
consecrated to the infinite Triune, 
and would they not be protected, 
clothed, and fed ? Faith replied, 
Jehovah will supply every need. 
On divine Providence, they were 
cast. Every year has afforded une- 
quivocal evidence, that, her faith was 
not in vain. 

Conversing, a few years since, 
with that individual, in regard to 171- 
fant baptism^ she said to the writer : 
" I never had a doubt, respecting 
my duty, to devote my children to 
the Lord, in that ordinance." 



ziON. 129 



MY BAPTISM. 



It occurred in mj infancy. Of 
the fact, I have been informed, 
though the day, week, month, and 
even the year, is unknown to me. 
Definite information, respecting the 
time and circumstances, I might 
have obtained, very easily ; but, I 
have never been solicitous, in regard 
to these points. 

By pious parents, I was carried, 
several miles, over mountains, and 
through forests, to the Lord's house, 
that I might be publicly dedicated to 
the one Jehovah, in three persons. 
Am I in doubt, respecting the valid- 
ity of that baptism? Not in the 
least ! Do I question the propriety 
of the course, pursued by my pa- 



130 ziON. 

rents ? Far from it ! I am sure, 
that it will be the occasion of joy to 
me, while I live ; yea, forever. 

Perhaps, I was asleep, during the 
whole performance, of that divine 
rite ; but, my parents were not ; angels 
were not ; God was not. The dedi- 
cation, I doubt not, was accepted by 
Him, and recorded, in His book of 
remembrance. From that hour to 
this, covenant mercies have, daily, de- 
scended upon me. Though father- 
less and afflicted, the heavens have 
dropped down blessings on the child, 
in consequence, of the faith of the 
parents, thus manifested. Gently, 
was I laid on thine arms, Imman- 
uel, by believers in the covenant, 
everlasting, and kindly didst thou ac- 
cept the offering. 



ZION. 131 

" Thou, that leadest Joseph like a 
flock," conduct all the lambs of thy 
fold, into the fields of gospel grace, 
and to the well-spring of life. ^' Thou, 
that dwellest between the Cherubim, 
shine forth" upon all the children, 
who wear the Redeemer's mark. 

Come je, who, by faith, are the 
children of Abraham, and offer up 
your offspring, to the God of Zion, 
in this simple, beautiful, and holy or- 
dinance of his appointment. 

J was a child of believing 

parents, who dedicated him to God, 
in baptism, when a helpless infant. 
While yet a mere child, he was left 
fatherless ; and his mother, surround- 
ed with a large family, and limited 
in means for its support, after some 
years, committed him to the care of 



132 ziON. 

an individual, who, at the time, ap- 
peared morally correct, yet in a lit- 
tle while, became exceedingly intem- 
perate. Being removed from the 
guardianship of one, so entirely un- 
qualified to watch over him, he was 
entrusted to another. There, at 
length, he found himself surrounded 
by the wicked and polluted, who en- 
deavored to render him as vile, as 
themselves. Though, not entirely 
uninjured, he was not destroyed. 
The King of Zion, whose signet had 
been impressed on his brow, in 
mercy, befriended him. 

This little son of a widow, having 
completed his term of continuance, 
away from home, returned to his na- 
tive town. From being a child, he 
grew up to be a young man ; and 



ziON. 133 

having been, hopefully, bom again, he 
publicly professed Christ, in the sanc- 
tuary, in which his parents dedicated 
him to God ; and there connected 
himself with the very Church, whose 
baptized child he had been, from 
early infancy. He is now just en- 
tering the ministry ; and, in a letter, 
recently received from him, he says : 
*'Much of God's restraining grace 
towards me, I attribute to that early 
dedication, by my pious parents ; and 
often, before him, do I pour out my 
gratitude, that, he put it into their 
hearts thus to consecrate me." 

Parental affection, the writer's 
own heart has felt. To him, a son 
was born ; but, scarce had he rejoic- 
ed at its birth, ere he was admon- 
ished, that, its earthly sojourn would. 



134 zioN. 

probably, be short. Before it could 
be carried to the house of the Lord, 
a threatening disease settled upon its 
tender frame. Could I see it depart, 
without its receiving the covenant 
seal ? 3Iine are no superstitioiis views 
respecting baptism ; but, there was a 
dear lamb, committed to my care, 
and, could I withhold the Savior's 
mark, from it ? No ! In the pre- 
sence of several church members, 
under the eye of the triune God, I 
baptized him ; and, never, have I per- 
formed any act, with stronger con- 
viction, that, I was doing the divine 
will. Two weeks after, the child 
died. Several months have passed 
away, and never have I had a single 
misgiving, in respect to that transac- 



ziON. 135 

tion ; on the contrary, it has been, to 
me, a source of great joj. 

The grave of this child, is seen 
from the window, near which I write. 
Thoughts of the departed little one, 
bring tears from my eyes ; but, I am 
comforted with the reflection, that, he 
was spared to be thus consecrated to 
the Lord. 

As pastor of a Church, I am ac- 
customed to administer this ordinance 
to the offspring of others ; and, in all 
cases, I am free from every doubt, 
respecting the propriety of my course, 
or the privilege and duty of pious 
parents, in regard to this ordinance. 



136 zioN. 



CHAPTER XV. 

zion's increase. 

" A little one shall become a thousand." — Isaiah 
60: 22. 

Sin entered the world, when the 
human family consisted of, only two 
individuals ; and it is probable, the 
foundation of the Church, was laid, 
before the enlargement of the num- 
ber. Zion's sons and daughters were 
few, even, after the earth's popula- 
tion had greatly increased. Prior to 
the dehige, truth and holiness were, 
generally, despised ; all flesh had 
corrupted its way, in the sight of 
Heaven, and grace had made, only 
here and there, a trophy. 



ziON. 137 

Commencing, with the epoch of its 
organization^ the city began to as- 
sume a more commanding aspect ; 
yet, for a long time afterwards, its 
limits were confined. During nearly 
twenty centuries past, the curtains of 
Zion's habitation have been stretched 
forth ; its cords lengthened ; and its 
stakes strengthened ; still, it is said, 
" Thou shalt break forth, on the right 
hand and on the left." 

The increase of the Church, is from 
two sources. The Lord renews mul- 
titudes of the infants, that live with- 
in her walls. " Look, now, toward 
heaven and tell the stars, if thou be 
able to number them. And he said 
unto him. So shall thy seed be." 
Gen. 15: 5. "All thy children 
shall be taught of the Lord, and great 



138 ziON. 

shall be the peace of thy children." 
Isa. 54: 13. 

Regenerating grace, God will not 
withhold, if all the conditions, on 
which covenant mercies are promised, 
be accomplished. Some infants have 
been sanctified from their birth, and 
the Holy Ghost is adequate to an 
effectual working, in the hearts of all 
the offspring of the Church. " Of 
Zion, it shall be said, this and that, 
man was born in her." 

Conquests are made from the 
world, by which the sacramental 
company, is constantly enlarging. 
" Thy seed shall inherit the Gen- 
tiles, and make the desolate cities to 
be inhabited. Fear not, for, thou 
shalt not be ashamed ; neither, be 
thou confounded." The Lord of 



ziON. 139 

Hosts, shall come down to fight for 
Mount Zion. The rescuing of the 
family of man, from the power of sin, 
and from bondage to Satan, is an 
enterprise, in which, all the citizens 
of Zion, are engaged. They go forth, 
in the name of their king, and re- 
turn, with trophies of victory. The 
conflict is spiritual : " though, we 
walk in the flesh, we do not war 
after the flesh ; for, the weapons of 
our warfare, are not carnal." But, 
they are "mighty, through God, to 
the pulling down, of strong holds ; 
casting down imaginations, and every 
high thing, that exalteth itself against 
the knowledge of God, and bringing 
into captivity, every thought, to the 
obedience of Christ." 

Man is instrumental in Zion's en- 



140 z I o X . 

largement ; but, the Almighty is the 
onlj efficient cause. " Not by might, 
nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith 
the Lord of Hosts." 

It is possible, greatly to swell, the 
number of its inhabitants, without 
increasing its moral power ; and 
plans are, often, adopted, which in- 
duce multitudes to profess friendship 
for the King, while destitute of all 
just apprehensions, of what is implied 
in citizenship. 

Such devices are never author- 
ized ; and those, thus enrolled, must 
be, either, ejected, or, allowed to re- 
main as pricks in the eyes and thorns 
in the sides, of misguided watchmen 
and others, by whom, they were in- 
troduced. 

" The Lord added to the Church, 



Z I ON . 141 

daily, such as should be saved." Acts 
2 : 47. When Zion is increased, 
" with the increase of God,'' no evil 
will result from a rapid multiplica- 
tion of numbers ; all will delight 
themselves in Him ; not one of them 
shall perish ; but, thej shall have 
eternal life. " I will take, the stony 
heart, out of their flesh, and will give 
them, an heart of flesh; that, they 
may walk in my statutes, and keep 
mine ordinances, and do them ; and 
they shall be my people, and I will 
be their God." 

The watchmen must be incessant 
in labors, for Zion's advancement ; 
but, they are to exert themselves, 
only, in ways, divinely sanctioned. 
'• The anger of the Lord, was kind- 
led against Uzzah, and he smote 



142 z I o N . 

him, because, he put his hand to the 
ark ; and, there, died before God." 
1 Chron. 13 : 10. The preaching 
of the Gospel, was instituted for the 
world's conversion. The Lord fur- 
nishes the truth, and his ambassadors 
proclaim it. "As the rain cometh 
down, and the snow, from heaven, 
and returneth not thither, but water- 
eth the earth, and maketh it bring 
forth and bud, that it may give seed 
to the sower, and bread to the eater ; 
so shall my word be, that goeth forth 
out of my mouth ; it shall not return 
unto me void, but it shall accomplish 
that which I please, and it shall pros- 
per, in the thing, whereto I send it." 
Isa. 55: 10,11. 



z I o N . 143 



CHAPTEE XYL 

zion's purity. 

'• Blessed are the pure in heart.*' — Matthew 5 : 8. 

The Lord is of purer eyes, than 
to behold evii, or to look upon ini- 
quity. Zion is the embodying of the 
moral excellence — the holiness — 
existing on earth. None have a 
right, to become its citizens, who are 
not cleansed, from the pollution of 
sin. " Except a man be born again, 
he cannot see the kingdom of God," 
nor enjoy the fellowship of saints, on 
earth. 

All, who are new creatures in 
Christ, — '' having renounced the 
hidden things of darkness," — having 



144 z I o N . 

" put oiF, concerning the former con- 
versation, the old man, which is cor- 
rupt, according to the deceitful lusts," 
and having "put on the new man, 
which, after God, is created in right- 
eousness and true holiness," are, by 
divine authority, entitled to the rights 
and privileges of citizens. 

Zion's Purity is secured by two 
methods ; one of which, consists, in 
guarding the entrance. Of the city, 
on high, we read, " there shall, in no 
wise, enter into it any thing, that 
defileth, neither, worketh abomina- 
tion, or, maketh a lie ; but, they, 
w^hich are written in the Lamb's 
book of life." The Church, on earth, 
should receive none into her fellow- 
ship, who do not afford clear evi- 
dence, of being heirs, of life ever- 



ziON. 145 

lasting. The watchmen cannot guard, 
with too much vigilance, against the 
enrollment of the hypocritical or the 
deceivecL Zeal for the increase of 
numbers, must be controlled, by a 
regard to purity. Success in swell- 
ing a list of communicants, is not a 
decisive test, of fidelity to Christ. 
Some men can excite the passions, 
without reaching the conscience, or 
improving the heart. 

The other method consists, in 
casting out unworthy members, some 
of whom, in spite of the utmost 
care to prevent, will be found among 
the sacramental band. Whenever 
outward deportment becomes clearly 
inconsistent with a profession of pi- 
ety, discipline should be commenced, 
according to the precepts of our Sa- 
— ^ _ 



146 ziox. 

vior, contained in Matt. 18. If pri- 
vate admonition fail to effect a re- 
form ; if the several steps required, 
are taken without success, the of- 
fender must be cut off — excommu- 
nicated. The custom of merely 
erasing names, is without divine 
sanction, and detrimental to the in- 
terests of the Church. 

For the preservation of Zion's pu- 
rity, it is essential, that the watch- 
men be sound in doctrine, and cor- 
rect in deportment. " Be thou an I 
example of the believers, in word, 
in conversation, in charity, in spirit, 
in faith, in purity." They must not, 
in any way, countenance the error- 
ists of the present day. " What fel- 
lowship hath righteousness with un- 



z I ON. 147 

righteousness ? And what commu- 
nion hath light with darkness?'' 



CHAPTER XVII. 

zion's peace. 

" Peace be within thy walls." — Psalm 122 : 7. 

Zion's King is the Prince of 
Peace. '' In his days, shall the right- 
eous flourish, and abundance of peace, 
so long as the moon endureth." The 
city was founded on principles, w^hich, 
if (tarried out, in the lives of its in- 
habitants, cannot fail of securing 
harmony, in all its wards. Discords 
are out of place ; for, the Church is 



148 ziON. 

the earthly abode of God, and He is 
love. 

" Behold, how good and how pleas- 
ant it isj for brethren to dwell togeth- 
er, in unity. It is like the precious 
ointment upon the head, that ran 
down upon the beard, even Aaron's 
beai'd, that went down to the skirts 
of his garments ; — as the dew of 
Hermon, and as the dew, that de- 
scends upon the mountains of Zion." 
In Zion, as in every community, 
it is the duty of each individual cit- 
izen, to seek peace, pray for it, and 
promote it. " Blessed are the peace- 
makers." 

There are, however, contentions, 
fierce and protracted, within the holy 
city. Whence, their origin ? Where- 
fore, their continuance ? Is holiness 



ziON. 149 

the cause of confusion ? Are its 
possessors arrayed, furiously, by it, 
one against another ? Far away, be 
thoughts, so impious. 

This topic is, preeminently, prac- 
tical. Sectarian jealousies are too 
common. The Church of God is 
divided, and on whom, rests the 
guilt ? By whom has the seamless 
coat of Christ, been rent ? Let us 
cast no stones, but consult facts. 

Minor differences of opinion, and 
of practice, exist, in families and 
communities, without creating war ; 
so they ought in the Church. The 
ordinance of Baptism, is the occa- 
sion of great discordance ; it has 
been the source of protracted con- 
troversies. Undue prominence has, 
often, been given to this rite ; by 



150 ziON. 

many, its relative importance has 
been overrated. A tronl»le of this 
nature, arose among the Corinthian 
converts. They, early, began to say, 
" I am of Paul ; and I, of A polios ; 
and I, of Cephas ; and I, of Christ ; " 
and the origin of tile division, evi- 
dently, was an incorrect estimate of 
this ordinance. Many favored the 
adoption of the names of those, by 
whom, they had been baptized. Such 
was the state of things, that Paul, 
under whose preaching, salvation had 
come to them, exclaimed : " I thank 
God, that I baptized none of you, 
but Crispus and Gaius." 1 Cor. 1 : 
14. 

That heathen, just emerging from 
systems of religion which consist 
wholly or mainly, in externals, should 



ZION. 151 

entertain extravagant views, of the 
externals of the Christian religion, 
need not be thought strange. Such 
was the fact. Many of the early 
converts from heathenism, seem to 
have regarded baptism, as a kind of 
ab omnibus peccatis Salvator ; a Sa- 
vior from all sins. 

Are any, in the nineteenth century, 
in danger of exalting this rite above 
measure ? Yes ! In the light of 
this century, Jordan is, sometimes, 
mentioned, as if it were the most 
important, the only locality, designat- 
ed by the evangelists ; nay, as if it 
were the identical, the "pure river 
of water of life, clear as crystal, 
proceeding out of the throne of God 
and of the Lamb," into which, heal- 
ing leaves, from the tree of life, have 



152 ziox. 

been falling, ever since it was plant- 
ed, in the paradise of God. As if 
the way^ from earth to heaven, were, 
by water ; baptism is, sometimes, 
made the beginning and end of reli- 
gious teaching. 

But, is error, connected with the 
observance of this rite, less wrong, 
blamable, or detrimental to the inter- 
ests of Zion ; less offensive to 
Christ, than error in other matters 
pertainmg to religious doctrine and 
practice ? Is it not, equally, idola- 
try, to worship an image of Jesus 
laptized, as of Jesus crucified ? Is 
it not as great a mistake, to suppose 
that water can take away sins, as 
that a man can forgive them ? 
Who has authority to affirm, that 
the anathemas of a Pope, against 



z I o N . 153 

those, who will not acknowledge his 
supremacy, fall less acceptably, on 
the ears of Jehovah, than do the 
fierce denunciations, of some, bigoted 
to a rite, against others, who receive^ 
but, do not deify, that rite ? Is it of 
material consequence, what men do 
reverence most, if it be anything, ex- 
cept the infinite God ? 

Baptism has no saving efficacy. 
Should it be received, daily, and 
hourly, from childhood to advanced 
age, with the purest motives, and in 
the apostolic mode, it would not re- 
move a sin, nor hasten the work of 
sanctification, if already commenced. 

/ love, I honor, the ordinances of 
our holy religion. I love them for 
their simplicity, their beauty, and 
their significancy. As soon, should 



154 z I o N . 

I think myself, authorized to set 
aside the doctrines of repentance 
and faith, as to neglect baptism and 
the Lord's Supper. These ordinan- 
ces can never cease to be binding, 
till Christ, their institutor, abrogate 
them. In whatever mode adminis- 
tered, mine be the heart, to honor the 
sacred rite of baptism. The preach- 
er of the Gospel may^ — inust admin- 
ister it ; but let him not forget, that 
his great, his appropriate work, is, 
preaching the Gospel. Let him 
ever keep in mind, the fact, that a 
soul converted, is a soul saved — 
saved from present bondage to sin — 
saved eternally in heaven — but a 
person baptized, is not, consequently^ 
an heir of glory. Let the preacher 
of the Gospel, see, that he has not 



ziON. 155 

for this rite a zeal, which is un- 
worthy. He, who is devoted to a rite, 
may think he has a zeal for God, 
but, is it for God ? Is it not for a 
party ? Is it a zeal to make Christ- 
ians or partisans ? He may insist, 
that it is for God ; but is it for 
God ?■ Does he solemnly affirm, 
that it is for God? We, as solemn- 
ly, inquire, is it for God? Is it not 
for a sectarian purpose, and does it 
not mar the harmony of religion ? 

He, that comes down from the 
high eminence, on which he stands, 
as a preacher of the Gospel, to con- 
tend about the mere mode of a rite, 
degrades himself, and dishonors reli- 
gion. It might be well for such, to 
attend, with self-application, to the 
words of Jesus : " Ye know not what 



156 z I o N . 

manner of spirit, ye are of." Luke 
9 : 55. To 'preach Christ, and him 
crucified, is, truly, an exalting em- 
ployment ; but, to be contending, con- 
tinually, about the form of adminis- 
tering an ordinance, is an ignoble 
business. 

There are times, when this sub- 
ject should be discussed. Some pas- 
tors do not dwell upon it, sufficient- 
ly. They leave their people, un- 
enlightened, in regard to it, and ex- 
posed to the evils, attendant on igno- 
rance. 

The author would, by no means, 
intimate, that he is in any doubt, as 
to the Scriptural mode of Christian 
Baptism. The ordinance is divinely 
adapted to every climate ; to all 
classes ; from the infant of an hour. 



ziON. 157 

to the individual, that has lived a 
century ; to every variety of circum- 
stance, from the greatest vigor, to 
the extreme weakness of a death- 
bed. 

The first baptism of a converted 
heathen, administered at the Sand- 
wich Islands, by missionaries, was 
that of the dying queen, Keopuo- 
lani. "And when they saw, that 
water was sprinkled on her, in the 
name of God, they said, ' Surely, 
she is, no longer, ours ; she has given 
herself to Jesus Christ.' " 

The writer was requested, a few 
weeks since, to baptize a young man, 
then lying on his bed of death. In 
less, than twenty-four hours, after the 
baptismal water had been sprinkled 
on his brow, he, sweetly, fell asleep 



158 z I o N. 

in Jesus. Such were the circum- 
stances, that I have no doubt, it 
was his right, to receive the ordi- 
nance, and mine, to administer it. 

Having, recently, prepared and 
printed an essay on Christian Union^ 
which covers the ground, necessary 
to be gone over, in contemplating the 
peace of Zion, and having received 
numerous testimonials of approba- 
tion, from ministers of the Gospel 
and others, I here insert it. 

Sin alienates man, from his Maker, 
and creates discord, among brethren : 
The religion of the Bible, reunites 
men, to God, and forms an indissolu- 
ble brotherhood, of all such, as em- 
brace it. 



ziON. 159 

Jehovah has founded a Church, 
among men ; and but one exists. 
To that, all the followers of the Re- 
deemer, belong. The pious, of every 
country and condition, are united to 
Him, their ever-living Head. Nor, 
are the ransomed of the Zion, above, 
disconnected with the one, indissolu- 
ble Church. 

" The saints, on earthy and all the dead^ 
But one communion make." 

Appearances of division, in the 
great fraternity of the redeemed, 
there are ; but none, in reality. The 
true Vine has many branches. The 
Church militant, like the bow in the 
cloud, exhibits a variety of colors ; 
yet, as in the bow, those seven colors 
constitute but one arch, so is the 



160 ziON. 

Churchy one, tliough her shades are 
various. 

Section I. All true Christians 
are one. For, 

1. Before thej are regenerated, 
their hearts are, essentially, the same 
— being entirely destitute of holi- 
ness, and filled with sin. "As in 
water, face answereth to face, so the 
heart of man to man." 

2. It is the same Spirit, that re- 
news the heart, in all cases, in which, 
a renewal takes place. There is 
but one Holy Sj^irit. He, and only 
he, regenerates the sinner. The 
means, which he employs, may vary, 
but his own efficiency is uniform, and, 
so are the results of his operations. 
None are Christians, before they are 
" born, not of blood, nor of the will 



ZION. 161 

of the flesh, nor of the will of man, 
but of God." 

All, who have been born of God, 
are, truly, the children of God. 

3. From the preceding facts, it 
follows, that all hearts, which are 
renewed, are, after the renewal, es- 
sentially alike ; they are made the 
dwelling-place, in some degree, of 
holiness, and holiness is the same in 
kind, wherever it exists. Holiness 
in the heart, but just renewed — in 
the heart, which has been, for a long 
time, its abode — in that of a saint in 
heaven — in the angels — and in Je- 
hovah, himself — is the same, in es- 
sence. I add, 

4. All genuine believers trust in 
one Savior, on whose merits, they 
rely for pardon, justification, and 

11 " 



162 



Z T ON. 



eternal life. Thej, also, acknowledge 
the same God, to be their Father, and 
look toward the same heaven, as their 
ultimate abode. In that pure and 
peaceful world, all the redeemed, are 
hoping and expecting, to dwell, for- 
ever. 

Though the great multitude, which 
no man can number, standing on 
Mount Zion, be gathered out of " all 
nations, and kindreds, and people, 
and tongues," it wnll constitute, but 
one community, speaking a common 
languao^e, engaging in similar pur- 
suits, and offering the same eternal 
anthems to him, w^ho sits upon the 
throne, and to the Lamb. 

5. The pious, w^hen uniting in 
prayer, exhibit striking evidence, 
that they are one. Their language 



zioN. 163 

developes identical feelings. The 
coincidence in the confessions, peti- 
tions, and thanksgivings, employed 
by Christ's disciples, is remarkable. 
Though holding different speculative 
views, and belonging to different de- 
nominations, they speak alike, when 
on their knees. Nor, is it out of 
place to add, that, unbiased Christ- 
ians are, usually, very orthodox, when 
addressing the Lord. The doctrines, 
which are denounced, by some, in 
controversy, are fully admitted, or, 
at least, clearly implied, by these 
very persons, when drawing near to 
Him, who heareth prayer. Bring 
together, two individuals, who have 
been educated, in circumstances, ex- 
ceedingly diverse, — let them feel 
the power of God's Spirit, in their 



164 zio N. 

hearts, and they will, in prayer, har- 
monize. Yea, let heated disputants, 
who are earnestly contending, for the 
Shibboleths of their different sects, 
drop their agitating subject, and 
bow together, in the presence of Him, 
whose eye pierces the heart, and, for- 
getting their distinctive names, they 
will feel themselves and show them- 
selves, one. 

6. Our Lord, himself, has, by a 
beautiful similitude, taught, that, all 
his followers, are one. The evening, 
previous to his crucifixion, he said to 
his disciples, " I am the true vine, 
and my father is the husbandman." 
"' I am the vine, ye are the branch- 
es." This language, though ad- 
dressed, primarily, to the apostles, he 
intended for all his followers. They 



ziON. 165 

are united to him, as the branch is 
united to the vine. Now, if all true 
Christians are thus united to him, 
they are one in him ; and, from the 
nature of the case, are one in all 
those essentials, which constitute true 
discipleship. As all the branches of 
a vine, derive their sustenance from 
a common parent, so do all Christ- 
ians, receive their spiritual aliment, 
from Christ. In him, they live ; on 
him, they depend ; without him, they 
can do nothing; they all resemble 
him, in the spirit and temper of 
their minds. " If any man have 
not the spirit of Christ, he is none of 
his.'' 

Thus, does it appear, from several 
considerations, that, true Christians 
are one, in heart, one, in all the par- 



166 ziox. 

ticulars, which are requisite, in order 
to be the sons and daughters of the 
Lord Almighty. Yes, Cliristians of 
every rank and condition, whether 
high or low, rich or poor, rulers or 
ruled, ministers or people, black or 
white, learned or ignorant ; ally all 

ARE ONE. 

Section IL The existence of 
different denominations, is not, neces- 
sarily, inconsistent with the oneness 
of true Christians. 

A foundation is laid, in the con- 
stitution of the human mind, for a 
variety of views, on speculative sub- 
jects. It is evident, from the ear- 
liest developments of the mental 
powers, that all minds are not en- 
dowed alike. The intellectual char- 
acter of different individuals, does 



ziON. 167 

not, perhaps, differ more, in subse- 
quent life, than during the earliest 
periods. This child seems to enter- 
tain great thoughts, while in the 
arms of its mother. That^ appears 
to think but little. One is, appa- 
rently, a musician, from its infancy — 
another, a logician — a third has a 
natural taste for mathematical stud- 
ies — and a fourth, early exhibits a 
talent for painting. Others give no 
promise of future eminence. 

How differently, do persons con- 
template the same objects. Let two 
individuals attempt a description of 
an interesting country, through which, 
they have passed together. You 
may hardly be able to reconcile 
their diverse representations. And 
why ? Not because, either has mis- 



168 ziON. 

represented — but, because the atten- 
tion of one, was, particularly, arrested, 
by this class of objects ; and the 
other's, by that. Indeed, perhaps, 
not an object in nature, affects any 
two persons, precisely alike. True, 
where this man sees a tree, that man 
will see a tree ; still, the image of 
the tree, in the eye of the first, may 
differ, very much, from the image, in 
the eye of the second. Let it be 
remembered, that in seeing, hearing, 
and judging, every man employs Ms 
own faculties. Now, if these facul- 
ties are not exactly alike, why may 
not identical objects appear to one, 
differently, from what they do to 
another ? And, why may not a vari- 
ety of opinions, be adopted, respect- 
ins: some of the attributes of these 



ziON. 169 

objects ? We inquire farther, if per- 
sons, very naturally, differ in opinion, 
concerning matters, the most com- 
mon, is it surprising, that they differ 
in respect to such, as are less com- 
mon ? If, in secular affairs, man- 
kind do not all think alike, is it prob- 
able, that only one opinion will pre- 
vail, in reference to spiritual affairs ? 
We admit, that what God has re- 
vealed, as truth, must be held, as im- 
mutable. The faith, once delivered 
to the saints, cannot give place to a 
substitute, nor undergo any modifica- 
tions. Being from above, man has 
neither the right, nor the ability, to 
alter it. There are, however, some 
things, connected with the divine sys- 
tem of doctrines, which Jehovah has 
not declared, immutable. On the 



170 ziON. 

contrary, he has, frequently, modified 
them. The forms of worship, have 
been varied by himself, in different 
periods, while the essentials of wor- 
ship, have remained the same. We 
see no reason to conclude, that all 
the pious, ought to adopt the same 
externals, in religion. The circum- 
stances, under which. Christians be- 
gin their spiritual life, are dissimilar. 
They have been educated, differently. 
Their natural turns, of mind, are di- 
verse, one from another. Hence, 
particular modes of worship, impress 
them, differently. To one, baptism 
is nothing, unless, there be a river 
and a multitude. Such has been his 
manner of contemplating the ordi- 
nance, that, should a voice be heard 
from heaven, proclaiming to the in- 



ZION. 171 

habitants of earth, that the mode is 
nothing, he would find it difficult, to 
yield the impression, that the mode 
is essential to the validity of the or- 
dinance. Another can no more be 
convinced, that immersion is essential 
to baptism, than, that dying under the 
wheels of Juggernaut, is indispensa- 
ble to salvation. 

A prayer-book may be of great 
service to one, while the devotions of 
another, would be materially embar- 
rassed by its use. Of course, those, 
who differ so much, in their estimate 
of this and that form, cannot unite, 
harmoniously, in one religious organ- 
ization. Should the attempt be 
made, to compel them to act together, 
it would be the climax of cruelty and 
folly. 



172 ziON. 

If the foregoing suggestions are 
correct, we discover the necessity, for 
different denominations among true 
Christians. And, if there be a ne- 
cessity, their existence is not wrong. 
What evidence have we, that Christ 
is displeased, by seeing his follow- 
ers in different communions ? He, 
surely, could have prevented all di- 
visions. A single, unequivocal word 
from his lips, respecting Church 
government and Church ordinances, 
would have precluded all controver- 
sy. Are we told, that he prayed 
for a oneness, among his followers ? 
We reply, that the existence of dif- 
ferent denominations, is not necessa- 
rily inconsistent, with great cordiality 
in feeling, sentiment, and action. To 
illustrate. 



ziON. 173 

The solar system is composed of 
distinct bodies. Some are prima- 
ries, and some, secondaries. They 
are formed of the same materials, 
have a common centre, and are gov- 
erned, by the same laws. These 
bodies are attracted by the sun, 
around which, they revolve. They 
are, however, at different distances 
from their luminous centre ; are of 
different densities, and perform their 
revolutions, in unequal periods of 
time. In many respects, they are 
unlike, yet in more, they are alike. 
One God created them all, and they, 
without ceasing, proclaim the power 
and goodness of the Almighty. 

" For ever singing, as they shine, 
The hand, that made us, is divine." 

Shall we question the ability of 



174 ziON. 

Jehovah, to have formed, out of those 
materials, one body, instead of the 
many ? Yet, who will doubt, that 
his wisdom is more conspicuous, in 
the present arrangement ? 

Christ is the centre of the moral 
system. He is the Sun of Right- 
eousness, and evangelical denomina- 
tions regard him, as their centre. In 
him, they hope, and believe. He is, 
to them, the object of attraction. 
Each denomination of the truly pi- 
ous, may be compared to one of the 
planets, and they all may move in 
their appropriate sphere, revolving 
about their centre, without interfer- 
ing, one wdth another. There is no 
necessity, for the inhabitants of this 
planet, to transfer their relation to 
another planet, in order to please 



ziON. 175 

God, and fulfil the end of their be- 
ing ; nor, is it requisite, for mem- 
bers of one pious sect, to leave their 
sanctuary and sacramental table, to 
join another sect. It is not affirmed, 
that all transfers, of this kind, are 
offensive to Christ. If any can be- 
come better disciples, by a change, 
doubtless, they ought to make it. 
The absorbing question, with each, 
must be. How can I serve, in the 
best manner, my Lord and Savior ? 
Artful efforts, to induce weak-minded 
believers^ to renounce their Church 
connection, and form new acquaint- 
ances, are wicked and base. 

Section III. Angry disputes, 
about the externals of religion, are 
inconsistent with Christian oneness. 
Externals constitute none of the 



176 z I o N . 

essence of religion. We admit their 
necessity. It is twofold. Christ has 
appointed them. Hence, they must 
be obligatory. Again, the nature of 
man demands them, and, therefore, 
they cannot be dispensed with. But, 
we deny, that our Lord and Master 
has, any where, prescribed the exact 
mode, of administering the ordinan- 
ces, and of governing the Church. 
Whoever undertakes to bring all to 
the adoption of one particular mode, 
mistakes his duty; interferes with 
the liberty, which Christ allows his 
friends. Such an one becomes a 
disturber of the sacramental band, 
and casts the apple of discord, among 
brethren. Observation proves, that 
those, over-strenuous for unity in ex- 
ternals, are not remarkable for spir- 



j ziON. 177 

I itual-mindedness. It is, indeed, ex- 

! tremely detrimental to pietj, to give 

I undue prominence to a non-essential. 

! In respect to the fundamental doc- 

! trines of religion, real Christians are 

: agreed. To become heated with an- 

; ger, because a fellow- Christian does 

I not see eye to eye with us, on minor 

I points,.indicates, to say the least, a 

I want of balance of mind. Many of 

I the religious controversies, 

' " Eesemble ocean into tempest wrought, 
To waft a feather or to drown a fly." 

; Much would the cause of Chi-ist 

I be aided, were all the pious to adopt 

the language of the father of the 

' faithful, when an occasion of conten- 

! tion arose, between his own servants 

' and those of Lot. " Let there be no 

I strife, I pray thee, between me and 

12 



178 ziON. 

tliee, and between mj herdsmen and 
tliylierdsmen, for we be brethren." 
Gen. 13 : 8. 

Does the inquiry arise, How shall 
needless controversy in religion be 
prevented, and unkind sectarian pre- 
judices, be removed ? We reply, 

1. Let each denomination be cau- 
tious, about encroaching upon the 
rights of others. The ministers of 
the Gospel, must treat each other, 
courteously. Public teachers, and 
private Christians, must frown upon 
all attempts at proselyting. Let it 
every where be understood, that 
Churches are to he enlarged, hy the 
addition of converts from the \corld. 
It is intolerable, that this sect should 
encroach upon the privileges of that. 
We can place no confidence in the 



ziON. 179 j 

Shepherd, who will plunder another's 
fold. There must not be aught, 
really or apparently, underhanded, 
in the intercourse of the ministry. 
Is the Lord reviving his work, in 
the parish of one brother — let all 
his brethren stand at their usual dis- 
tance, unless specially and properly 
invited to come near. We are 
pained at that species of manage- 
ment, which intercepts the work 
of the Lord, by interfering with the 
labors of a favored servant. Every 
shepherd should watch his own flock. 
Christians, of each denomination, 
should manifest a deep interest in 
the prosperity of all the Redeemer's 
friends, without regard to distinction 
of sect. " We know that we have 
passed from death unto life, because 



180 ziON. 

we love the brethren." The pious 
are brethren. " He that loveth not 
his brother, abideth in death." "If 
a rnan say, I love God, and hateth 
; his brother, he is a liar." 
i Bigotry is unbecoming a Christ- 
I ian. ^Ve may not be able to ap- 
! prove, in every respect, the conduct 
! of those, Tvhom we are bound to 
love. Christ does not require us to 
be pleased with ignorance and od- 
dities, — yet, wherever his image 
meets our eye, it should gladden our 
heart. ^ 

j Greater zeal to advance the inter- 
j ests of a party, than to build up the 
: kingdom of Christ, proves a want of 
I Scriptural knowledge — and denotes 
I moral defect in its possessor. How- 
ever great our zeal, if we have no 



ZION. 181 

higher motive, than to swell the list 
of partisans, we are still in danger, 
of becoming food for the worm, 
which never dies, and fuel for the 
fire, which is never quenched. 

2. Let all denominations seek for 
greater attainments in holiness, than 
they have, as yet, possessed. 

Book after book has been pub- 
lished, the professed aim of which, 
has been, the union of all true 
Christians in one denomination. The 
writers of such books have, gener- 
ally, committed one fundamental mis- 
take. Assuming the correctness of 
their own views, and, of course, re- 
garding such, as diifer from them, es- 
sentially wrong, they have endeavor- 
ed to influence Christians, not within 
the pale of their Church, to come 



182 zioN. 

over to their side. In vain, are ef- 
forts of this kind. The only remedy 
for the evil of sectarian strife, will 
be found, in the greater prevalence 
of the spirit of Jesus. It is idle, to 
think of bringing all Christ's disci- 
ples, into one Church connection ; 
but, if without an exception, they 
strive to become, wholly, like their 
Divine Master, they will, eventually, 
so nearly resemble him, as not to be 
displeased with each other. Should 
every pious person be filled, as was 
Stephen, with the Holy Ghost, use- 
less wrangling among sects would 
cease. 



ziON. 183 

CHAPTEE XVIII. 
zion's mo spe ct s. 

" Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God." 
— Psalm ST : 3. 

The eternal purpose, in regard to 
this world, was, that it should be 
redeemed from the dominion of sin. 
In many places, and, in varied phrase- 
ology, the fact, that such a purpose 
exists, is developed ; besides, the 
divine economy, on earth, is so con- 
structed, as to exhibit it. "As truly 
as I live, all the earth shall be filled 
with the glory of the Lord." Num. 
14 : 21. There is a set time to 
favor Zion, which will come, v>^hen 
the power and majesty of the Lord, 
shall be displayed, in its behalf. 
" From the rising of the sun, unto 



184 ziON. 

the going down of the same, the Lord's 
name is to be praised." Psalm 113 : 
3. " O thou, that hearest prayer, 
unto thee, shall all flesh come." 
Psalm 65 : 2. 

" It shall come to pass, in the 
last days, that the mountain of the 
Lord's house, shall be established in 
the top of the mountains, and shall be 
exalted above the hills, and all nations 
shall flow unto it." Isaiah 2:2. 

" For from the rising of the sun, 
even unto the going down of the same, 
my name shall be great among the 
Gentiles ; and in every place, in- 
cense shall be offered unto my name, 
and a pure offering ; for my name 
shall be great among the heathen, 
saith the Lord of hosts." Mai. 1 : 11. 

Jesus Christ, Bang in Zion, has 



ziON. 185 

undertaken the redemption of the 
world ; and, in this enterprise, he is 
engaged, moving it onward, as rap- 
idly, as infinite wisdom decides best. 
He is able to subdue all things to 
himself, at once ; but, his wisdom de- 
cides upon proceedings, more pro- 
tracted ; eventually, he will triumph. 
" It is the glory of the Messiah, that 
he will subvert all the counsels of 
hell and earth, that militate against 
his Church." His dominion will be 
" from sea to sea, and from the river 
unto the ends of the earth. They 
that dwell in the wilderness, shall 
bow before him, and his enemies 
shall lick the dust." Psalm 72 : 
8, 9. 

The providences of God, are all 
shaped, with reference to the ulti- 



186 ziON. i 

1 
I 

mate triumph, of truth and holiness. 
Defeat is sure, to the adversary of 
Zion. No weapon formed against 
it, shall prosper. In glowing lan- 
guage, the holy Seers, filled with 
inspiration, depict the scenes of its 
coming glory. " The sons of stran- I 
gers, shall build up thy walls, and 
their kings shall minister unto thee." 
" The Gentiles shall come to thy 
light, and kings, to the brightness of 
thy rising." " Kings shall be thy 
nursing fathers, and their queens, 
thy nursing mothers." " For the na- 
tion and kingdom, that will not serve 
thee, shall perish." " The Lord, thy 
God, in the midst of thee, is mighty." 



ziON. 187 

CHAPTER XIX. 

ZlON TRIUMPHANT. 

'•' Xow is come salyation." — Rev. 12 : 10. 

The promised and expected era 
will arrive — the bright, millennial 
morning, dawn, and be followed bj 
a long and cloudless day. Our eyes 
will not behold it ; but generations, 
yet to arise, shall exult in its bright- 
ness, and be filled with the glory of 
its perfections. 

Zion's King will then have come 
into actual possession, of the conti- 
nents and islands of the earth, and 
shall reign over them ; not, as a tem- 
poral prince, but, sitting on the throne 
of mediation. Events, which, to us, 
appear only m prediction, will, then, 
have become, reality. The Lord 



188 ziON. 

will have made bare bis holy arm, 
in tbe eyes of all nations, and all 
the ends of tbe eartb, sball bave seen 
bis salvation ; and tbe inhabitants 
will exclaim, amid mutual exhorta- 
tions and congratulations, " Sing un- 
to the Lord, for he hath done excel- 
lent things." " And they shall beat 
their swords into ploughshares, and 
their spears into pruning-hooks ; na- 
tion shall not lift up a sword against 
nation, neither shall they learn war 
any more." " The wolf and tbe 
lamb sball feed together ; they shall 
not hurt nor destroy in all my holy 
mountain, saith the Lord." " The 
earth shall be filled with the knowl- 
edge of tbe Lord, as the waters cover 
tbe sea." The watchmen shall see eye 
to eye, and tbe Church, be tbe joy of 



ziON. 189 

the Tvhole eartli, the desire of every 
land, the reflection of the perfections 
of him, by whose efficiency, it was 
reared from its foundation, to its state 
of triumph. 

In heaven, great voices shall say, 
" The kingdoms of this world, are 
become the kingdoms of our Lord 
and of his Christ, and he shall reign 
forever and ever." 



CHAPTER XX. 

ZION GLORIFIED. 

" And Ihey shall bring the glory and honor of the 
nations into it." — Rev. 21 : 26. 

During the entire period of Zion's 
progress, her sons and daughters 
pass, successively, from their proba- 
tion on earth, to mingle with the 
holy, in heaven ; yet, while some are 



190 ziON. 

called hence, otliers, in greater num- 
bers, join themselves to the Lord. 
The ranks of the Church have not 
only been filled, but enlarged and 
multiplied. 

When the grand object, for which 
the building of Zion, was commenc- 
ed, shall be complete — when the last 
soul, to be saved, has been called 
in, and the final display of grace has 
been made among the inhabitants of 
earth — the Church militant, will be 
taken, from her position of victory, 
here achieved, to the Paradise of 
God. 

The King returns, with his con- 
quests, to heaven. " Lift up your 
heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift 
up, ye everlasting doors, and tlie 
king of glory shall come in." Zion's | 



Z];ON. 191 

prince enters the city, on higli, at- 
tended bj the innumerable company 
of the redeemed. " I looked, and 
lo ! a lamb stood on Mount Zion ; 
and with him, an hundred, forty 
and four thousand, having his fa- 
ther's name, written in their fore- 
heads. 

'^ And lo ! a great multitude, which 
no man could number, of all na- 
tions, and kindreds, a^^ people, and 
tongues, stood before the throne, and 
before the Lamb, clothed with white 
robes, and palms in their hands ; 
and cried, with a loud voice, say- 
ing, Salvation to our God, which 
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the 
Lamb." 

Eedemption is complete. The 
samts are in glory. " They shall 



192 zioN. 

hunger no more ; neither thirst anj 
more ; neither shall the sun light on 
them, nor any heat ; for the Lamb, 
which is in the midst of the throne, 
shall feed them, and shall lead them, 
unto living fountains of waters, and 
God shall wipe away all tears from 
their eyes." 

Through ages without end, those, 
once inhabitants of Zion, on earth, 
shall dwell i# the holy city above. I 
" The nations, of them, which are ; 
saved, shall walk in the light of it." ; 
While the despisers of grace, en- , 
dure, forever, the just punishment 
of their rejection of Christ, the heirs \ 
of glory shall live and rejoice in | 
the heavenly city. The Lord shall | 
reigrn over them, in Mount Zion, i 
forever and ever. Alleluia, Amen.l 



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